Careers

Smart counsel with a shared vision

Our clients expect anticipatory counsel from intuitive, pragmatic, attorneys with an exceptional level of dedication. We expect the same in our candidates. We look for real people with proven talent who share our vision of advancing the venture ecosystem. The truth is, some of our best lateral attorney candidates have often already met us — maybe we’ve worked opposite of one another on a deal, or have a client in common. Perhaps we’ve gotten to know one another professionally and personally on high-stakes negotiations or late-night conference calls.

Whether we’ve collaborated, competed or yet to cross paths, if you share our practical and passionate approach to delivering real results to your clients and a commitment to innovative service, we want to hear from you.

OUR EXPERTISE

Focus on what fulfills you

Our concentrated expertise in the global venture capital and emerging companies marketplace empowers you to do more of what you’re passionate about doing: building meaningful relationships with clients and helping them navigate challenges as they scale, accelerate, and attain distinction. The firm’s expertise is further defined by the following three focus areas:

Corporate

Gunderson's corporate attorneys focus exclusively on the emerging technology and life sciences market, guiding entrepreneurs through early-stage challenges, facilitating growth, and strategizing for M&A or capital markets exits. With a proven track record, we've orchestrated thousands of high-value M&A transactions worth tens of billions of dollars across diverse sectors. We provide comprehensive counsel to companies of all sizes in the US, India, China, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and other markets globally.

Fund Formation

Gunderson’s fund attorneys routinely negotiate close to one-third of every venture capital dollar raised worldwide. We serve as general counsel to more than 500 venture capital and growth equity firms, including industry giants, many of whom started their journey with us. Annually, we oversee more than 1,000 venture and growth financings, offering innovative yet pragmatic solutions to top-tier technology investors. Our expertise also extends to structuring and negotiating cross-border investments and navigating the intricacies of the tax, regulatory, and comparative law aspects of these transactions.

Strategic Transactions & Licensing

Gunderson's Strategic Transactions & Licensing team utilizes unparalleled expertise and insightful perspectives to develop, acquire, and monetize technologies for strategic transactions, often innovating new product launch business models. With extensive experience across diverse industries, including AI, cybersecurity, health tech, SaaS, fintech, biotech, and robotics, our tech attorneys offer comprehensive counsel across every stage of growth. From buy-side and sell-side transactions to future planning for IPOs, we anticipate and navigate future outcomes with precision, ensuring strategic success for our clients.

What makes Gunderson Dettmer different

Structure your success

At Gunderson Dettmer, we empower people to shape their own path. Here you can focus on specific practice areas, explore new industries, and find balance between company-side and investor-side work. You’ll work directly with clients, owning relationships and collaborating with firm partners regularly. Additionally, our small deal teams mean every member has the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Connect with mentors

Mentorship is the cornerstone of our development ethos at Gunderson Dettmer. You’ll find a range of programs designed to regularly connect partners, counsel, and associates with mentees and provide support in career aspirations and work-life integration alike. We build Mentor Pods, which give you the opportunity to build relationships, share experiences, and celebrate successes across offices and within practice groups.

Drive Diversity & Inclusion

We are a human-driven practice. We believe everyone deserves an inclusive work environment where they can thrive, individually and as a team member. Through our commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I), we actively recruit, retain, and promote professionals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. Beyond our walls, we’re continuously looking for new ways to address the broader challenges of diversity within the venture capital ecosystem.

From D&I Committees to Affinity Groups and ongoing Mentorship & Development Programs, learn more about how we’re cultivating a culture where everyone can feel a meaningful sense of belonging.

Learn more here.

Expand your expertise

We invest heavily in attorney development so you keep growing. From practice group retreats and bootcamps to targeted skills labs, you’ll sharpen your legal and business acumen at every stage. Our learn-by-doing deal work combines hands-on responsibility with peer mentorship and smart tech.

Growth is intentional—and it’s our edge. Gunderson Dettmer’s cross-firm Training & Development Committee, led by passionate partners, designs and drives programs that equip you to thrive professionally and personally.

Meet the members of our Training & Development Committee

PRO BONO

Make a world of difference

Our commitment to community runs deep. Through our Pro Bono Program, attorneys can make a profound impact by offering their legal expertise to those in need. From short-term clinics to long-term projects, our program serves as a catalyst for positive change and a continued effort to advance equity within the innovation economy. Beyond pro bono, our attorneys and staff actively engage in community service activities organized by our Pro Bono Committee, local offices, and affinity groups.

CURRENT OPENINGS

Find your next role

Attorneys

Search Firm Information

If we have an existing relationship and a signed agreement with your search firm, you may submit candidate materials for any active posting via our Careers portal linked here. If we don’t have a relationship yet and you would like to submit a candidate an active posting, please contact us at recruiting@gunder.com. We require cover letters, resumes, and transcripts in order to properly assess each candidate. Please do not submit incomplete applications.

“The best thing about Gunderson is the people, friendships and mentors. I feel fortunate to have a lot of people who have an interest in my career teach me how to be a lawyer and how to thrive in this environment.”

STEPHANIE LANE, Partner