Perkins Coie Adds Business Attorney in Seattle

SEATTLE (February 24, 2012) – Perkins Coie has added Mel Wheaton as Of Counsel in Seattle in the Business practice. He rejoins the firm from Orca Bay Capital where he served as President and General Counsel.

“Mel is a welcome addition to our rapidly growing firm,” said Nancy Williams, Seattle Office Managing Partner. "He has an established practice that will enable us to further support and expand the services that we provide our clients."

Wheaton works with limited liability companies and partnerships across many industries, including venture capital, private equity, real estate and professional sports. He also manages legal and financial matters relating to corporations and private investment companies, including wide ranging commercial transactions and governance issues, tactical planning, investment management and risk management.

Wheaton represents emerging companies, venture capital and private equity funds and investors, family offices and other privately-held companies in matters related to financing activities, corporate governance, strategic transactions, investment management and risk management.

He has participated in various debt and equity financings and drafted and negotiated complex tax, economic and governance provisions on behalf of clients in diverse industries, including venture capital, real estate and professional sports. He has extensive experience working with limited liability companies, partnerships and family offices.

Wheaton earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A., with honors, from the University of Washington. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.

Earlier this month, the Seattle office also welcomed Judy Jennison as Partner in the Litigation practice, Michael Scoville as Partner in Product Liability practice and Karl Klassen as Of Counsel in the Intellectual Property practice.