Clifford Chance hires new partner to US tech group

New hire offers tech guidance on mergers and acquisitions | Her expertise includes asset management, payments and consumer products.

Clifford Chance has welcomed new partner Violetta Kokolus into the firm's global tech group in the US.

Kokolus makes the move from Ropes & Gray after four years with the firm.

With 15 years of experience in the industry, Kokolus has worked with emerging and established companies, as well as technology-focused investors.

Her expertise includes asset management, payments, consumer products, data innovation, healthcare, tech-enabled services, robotics, and software.

Throughout her career, Kokolus, who will be based in New York, has provided tech considerations guidance for public transactions and private investments.

She has also offered counsel on stand-alone IP and data transactions, with a focus on collaborations and strategic commercial arrangements.

Commenting on her addition to the team, Devika Kornbacher, co-head of Clifford Chance’s global tech group, said: "We've witnessed the rapid globalisation of industry, driven by the development and adoption of tech at hyper speed.

“Increasingly, organisations seek to shine a light around corners to stay ahead of the curve on new regulations and capitalise on the opportunities this exciting shift brings.

"Violetta's extensive insight into this complex space will provide our clients an immediate connection to the critical elements they must consider to thrive."

Sharis Pozen, Americas regional managing partner, added: "This hire, and the three to follow, are driven by our ambition to build out our local US capabilities to match the scale of our global practice. Tech now runs deep through every market and across practice areas and we're committed to meeting our clients at the forefront of this evolution."

Kokolus highlighted recent changes in tech regulation in the US and across the globe that "will directly impact strategies and innovation for US-based companies and investors”.

“I am eager to bring our global team into discussions with clients to provide a 360-degree perspective," she continued.

Clifford Chance is preparing to unveil three more partner appointments in the upcoming weeks.

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox