Redwood City, CA
If you want to be at the absolute center of the venture capital universe, Gunderson Dettmer is the place. Ranked the number-one VC law firm globally by PitchBook for twelve consecutive years, this Silicon Valley-born firm advised on over 1,400 venture financings and more than $158 billion in invested capital in 2025 alone. With approximately 400 attorneys, Gunderson punches far above its weight as the most dominant force in startup and emerging company law.
Gunderson's singular focus on the venture capital and emerging company ecosystem is what makes it extraordinary. The firm handles everything from seed-stage formations and Series A financings through IPOs and acquisitions, representing both investors and founders. Its fund formation practice is equally elite, and the firm earned Tier 1 recognition from the Legal 500 and top Chambers USA rankings across venture capital, fund formation, and private equity.
The culture at Gunderson is distinctly Silicon Valley, fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and refreshingly informal compared to traditional BigLaw. The firm uses a free-market system, and summer associates get direct exposure to live venture deals, often working alongside partners who advise the biggest names in tech investing. Associates praise the early responsibility and startup-world energy.
When recruiting, demonstrate genuine passion for the tech and VC ecosystem. Follow startup funding news, understand term sheets, and be prepared to discuss current venture market trends. Gunderson wants people who are as excited about innovation as their clients are.
Summer Class Size
19 associates
Billable Hours
Data sources: Financial data from AmLaw 200, FY2025. Practice area rankings from Chambers USA 2026. Summer program data from Chambers Associate 2026. Office locations from firm websites. Last verified: March 27, 2026. View our data methodology
1,950 hours
Source: Chambers USA 2026 Rankings
| Practice Area | Band | Jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate / M&A | Band 1 | California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou |
| Private Equity | Band 1 | Nationwide, California |
| Private Equity | Band 2 | Massachusetts |
| Labor & Employment | Band 3 | California: San Francisco, Silicon Valley & Surrou |
| Technology Transactions | Band 3 | California, Massachusetts |
| Technology Transactions | Band 4 | Nationwide |
Vault Rank (2026)
#83
Founded
1995
Chair / Managing Partner
David Young
Attorneys
~400
Partnership Track
9 years
Billable Hours Target
1,950 hours
Summer Class Size (2025)
~20
Revenue per Lawyer (FY2025)
$1.29M
1st-Year Total Comp (2026)
$245,000+