David Clarke is a seasoned corporate lawyer with more than three decades of experience representing companies and investors in strategic transactional and advisory matters. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity and growth equity investments, venture capital financings, corporate restructurings, and general counseling. David’s clients span a range of industries, including technology, business services, consumer products, retail, distribution, transportation/logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. David has consistently been recognized as one of the top corporate lawyers in the Pacific Northwest and is a go-to legal advisor for companies contemplating a liquidity event or other significant transaction.
David and his family live in Seattle and are active members of their community, where they are involved as board members and/or volunteers in numerous civic, nonprofit, and educational organizations.
Ranked by Chambers & Best Lawyers
Named “Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America, 2024
Ranked by Chambers USA Ten Years in a Row
Professional Recognition
- Ranked BTI Client Service All-Stars: Emerging Companies & Venture Capital, 2015
- Named the Best Lawyers’ Seattle "Securities / Capital Markets Law Lawyer of the Year," 2014; "Venture Capital Law Lawyer of the Year," 2013, 2015, 2024; "Mergers and Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year," 2018; "Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year," 2020
- Listed in Chambers USA, “America’s Leading Lawyers” for Corporate: Mergers and Acquisitions, 2014 – 2023
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Corporate Law; Mergers & Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Venture Capital Law, 2007 – 2024
- Listed in Washington Law & Politics, "Washington Super Lawyers" 2007 – 2014
- Listed in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, "Seattle's Best Lawyers"
- Listed as a top lawyer in Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate and Venture Capital by Washington CEO/Avvo
- Named a Greater Seattle Technology Ecosystem “Top Corporate Lawyer,” iLnnovate Leadership Network, Study & Entrepreneur’s Guide, 2017
Professional Leadership
- Association for Corporate Growth - Seattle Chapter, Board of Directors
- American Bar Association, Business Law Section
- Washington State Bar Association, Business Law Section
Community Involvement
- Rainier Scholars, Trustee
- Seattle Repertory Theater, Board of Trustees, 2004 – 2007