Overview
Introduction
Founded in 1995 in Silicon Valley, Gunderson Dettmer has grown to 11 offices with 400 attorneys and is the leading international law firm focusing solely on the innovation economy. It is the world leader in providing legal services to venture-backed and public technology and life science companies, as well as to venture capital investors. Sophisticated work, amazing tutelage from partners, and the office culture are highlights for associates.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2023)
No. of Partners Named (2024)
Featured Rankings
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2024)
No. of Summer Associates (2024)
Base Salary
Vault Verdict
Gunderson Dettmer is a highly specialized firm with a great deal of prestige in the emerging companies and venture capital space and tends to build its roster primarily with lateral hires. Associates describe the culture as friendly and collegial and the partners as respectful; however, internal communication around the state of the firm could be better, as people remain uneasy after a workforce reduction last year. The firm has a reasonable billable hour requirement, although given this firm’s specialty workflow, this criterion is somewhat more sensitive to market conditions than it might be in other practice areas. Salaries match the market; bonuses are based on personalized reviews and generally match the market, and the firm often offers pro rata bonuses e...
About the Firm
Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian is a Silicon Valley firm at heart, and it has already outgrown its status as a premier boutique firm in the technological world. The firm has expanded throughout the United States and internationally over the past 15 years. With offices in Ann Arbor, Austin, Beijing, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, São Paulo, Silicon Valley, and Singapore, and extensive work in Latin America, the firm is an international specialist in emerging growth market matters for corporate and venture capital clients.
Emerging Growth Market, Boom or Bust
In 1995, Bob Gunderson, Scott Dettmer, and four other partners jumped from the now-defunct Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison ship and started a Silicon V...
Associate Reviews
- “Lawyers socialize organically, primarily within practice groups but with plenty of crossover as well.”
- “Gunderson has a unique culture for a larger firm—one known for being somewhat [opposite to that of] other big firms and more entrepreneurial (like many of our clients). The culture thus feels a little less ‘big business’ than other big firms and is more casual but also less ritzy (and probably with less spent on big development budgets and perks).”
- “There is a warm culture, and lawyers socialize spontaneously. No one is stuffy, and people are approachable.”
- “The firm is very collegial with lots of social activities, both organic and sponsored. There is a good culture of training and mentoring.”
Why Work Here
Since our inception in 1995, Gunderson Dettmer has maintained its leadership and reputation as the premier firm in venture capital and technology law. As the firm which works with the next class of innovation, Gunderson counsels emerging growth companies and investors at various stages and serves the venture capital market globally.
We have been recognized by Chambers International, The Legal 500, FinanceAsia, and U.S. News, and we were nominated for the LMG Life Sciences Venture Capital Firm of the Year. Additionally, Gunderson has been ranked by PitchBook as the #1 law firm globally for high-growth technology and life sciences companies and investors for seven years in a row.
With offices in major venture hubs such as Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Boston, Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, New York, Beijing, Singapore, San Diego, and Austin, Gunderson continues to make an indelible mark in the global market. Join us and make a lasting impact by being part of a firm at the center of emerging growth and venture communities worldwide.
Diversity at Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP
The Law Firm Diversity Profile contains the firm’s self-reported responses to the Vault/MCCA Law Firm Diversity Survey, an annual survey conducted by Vault.com in partnership with the Minority Corporate Counsel Association. Detailed demographic breakdowns of the firm’s attorneys by level, race, gender, LGBTQ and disability status offer a valuable statistical overview, while descriptions of its diversity programs, initiatives and strategic plans provide a comprehensive portrait of the firm’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Getting Hired Here
- “The firm looks to assess candidates' interest/experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, emerging growth companies, and the innovation ecosystem. Previous experience isn't necessarily required, but a demonstrated enthusiasm for values commonly associated with the above is generally helpful.”
- “Gunderson cares deeply about commitment to the areas it practices in, so applicants must be able to demonstrate experience or interest in venture capital, entrepreneurship, emerging growth companies, and the innovation ecosystem. Generally, the firm seems to be less focused on strict academic criteria or thresholds.”
- “We want candidates who are committed to working with our particular type of clients (venture-funded startups) and with the challenges that such clients bring, particularly around risk assessment.”
Perks & Benefits