WilmerHale is pleased to announce that prominent transactional lawyer Ben Fackler has joined the firm as a partner in its Transactional Department, based in San Francisco. Widely recognized for advising on an impressive breadth of corporate and M&A matters, Ben counsels public and private companies, boards of directors, founders, financial sponsors and venture investors on critical matters impacting the full lifecycle of businesses, including formation, private and public capital-raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy and governance. He also frequently serves as outside general counsel to his clients, providing day-to-day strategic counsel across a range of business matters. Experienced in a variety of industries and geographies, Ben works extensively advising companies and investors in Life Sciences and deep tech – companies based on innovative and novel science, tech and engineering such as AI, biotech, and defense tech – in the Bay Area.
Fackler possesses extensive expertise in corporate law, M&A and complex transactional work for domestic and international companies and matters, having held senior roles in private practice, investment banking and private capital. Over the course of his career, he has advised on transactions totaling more than $250 billion in value, including M&A, buyouts, corporate reorganizations, venture and later-stage investments, and other strategic matters. He also advises clients on matters affecting corporate control, including shareholder activism, proxy contests and contested situations, an area where he brings a distinct capability to the firm's Northern California practice.
“We are delighted to welcome Ben to WilmerHale,” said Anjan Sahni, Managing Partner. “Ben’s sophisticated transactional practice, strategic judgment and multidisciplinary background make him an excellent fit for the firm. His arrival further strengthens our West Coast and Life Sciences platform and advances our strategic focus on expanding our corporate and transactional capabilities for clients operating at the forefront of innovation, investment and growth.”
“Ben brings a powerful combination of M&A experience, capital-raising knowledge and corporate governance insight, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the emerging company and Life Sciences sector, that aligns closely with the breadth and experience of our Transactional Department,” said Judith Hasko, Chair of the Transactional Department. “His ability to advise companies, investors and boards across the full lifecycle of critical transactions enhances our service offering and further extends our capabilities, particularly in Northern California, where we continue to invest in supporting Life Sciences and Technology clients in their most important matters. His practice will further strengthen our transactional platform in San Francisco at a time when the market is seeing significant momentum in growth-stage venture capital and Life Sciences transactions.”
“I was drawn to WilmerHale because of its outstanding reputation for sophisticated transactional work, its collegial culture and its deep commitment to helping innovative companies and investors navigate complex, high-stakes matters,” said Fackler. “The firm has built an exceptional platform in the Bay Area and globally, and I’m excited to join a team that is so highly regarded for strategic counsel across the full range of corporate and transactional issues.”
Fackler earned his JD, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his BS, magna cum laude, from Pomona College. He is admitted to practice in California and New York.