Sheppard Mullin is pleased to announce that Paul Klimos has joined the Corporate practice group as special counsel in Silicon Valley.
Klimos most recently served as general counsel at a venture-backed technology company specializing in zero-knowledge proofs that enhance privacy and security applications. Prior to that, he worked at other leading global law firms in Silicon Valley.
His experience also includes legal and compliance roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and at the Central Bank of Lebanon where, among other responsibilities, he co-founded and led a legal research and intelligence unit focused on technology governance and developing regulatory frameworks.
“Paul brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of legal, regulatory and technology sector expertise that will significantly enhance our firm’s Silicon Valley transactional practice and our capabilities in serving emerging growth and technology clients and investors globally,” said John Tishler, co-leader of the Corporate practice group at Sheppard Mullin. “We are excited to welcome him to the firm.”
Klimos guides entrepreneurs throughout the full lifecycle of their ventures, from ideation to exit, and advises investors on structuring and managing investments across various sectors and growth stages. He counsels private and public companies on corporate structuring and governance, venture capital equity and debt financings, domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and other strategic transactions including international flips, spin-outs and spin-offs. He also advises venture capital funds, sovereign wealth funds, corporate venture arms and family offices on their formation, investments and liquidity events across jurisdictions.
“I am thrilled to join Sheppard Mullin and contribute to the firm’s dynamic Corporate practice,” said Klimos. “The firm’s global reach and commitment to innovation provide an excellent platform to serve clients across various sectors and jurisdictions.”
In addition to his legal practice, Klimos is a recognized thought leader at the intersection of law, technology, and policy. He has authored multiple publications and frequently speaks on the legal and regulatory challenges surrounding emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and FinTech. He serves on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council and is a member of the forum’s expert network and Global Shapers Community. He is also an alumnus of the U.S. State Department’s IVLP and the European Union’s EUVP, both invite-only leadership programs. He is a “40 Under 40” awardee, and a BMW Foundation “Responsible Leader.”
He earned his Bachelor and Masters of Laws from Universite Saint-Joseph in Lebanon and his LL.M from Columbia Law School in New York. Klimos is admitted to practice in California, New York and Lebanon.
About Sheppard Mullin's Corporate and Securities Practice Group
One of the firm's core strengths, Sheppard Mullin’s Corporate and Securities practice group, assists clients throughout the United States and abroad in maximizing their business opportunities. We represent clients that range from private to public companies and from startups and emerging businesses to international corporations. We are proud to offer CRADLE TO LIQUIDITY® services. We provide general business legal advice, assist in structuring and implementing major transactions, prepare agreements to address unique business arrangements, and consult with clients to resolve major business and ownership issues. We handle such matters as initial and later-stage venture and other financings; leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations; public offerings; mergers and acquisitions; SEC compliance; private equity transactions; real estate capital markets transactions; corporate, LLC and partnership formation; and corporate partnering, joint venture and other strategic alliance arrangements. Because of our diverse client base, we have experience representing substantial entities in complicated multinational and multistate transactions, as well as advising smaller and emerging clients on the full spectrum of business matters.