William S. Gehrke

Bill Gehrke concentrates his practice on corporate and securities law, including start-up companies, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, employment and executive compensation, stock offerings and ongoing public and private company representation. Prior to founding Gehrke & Umana LLP, Mr. Gehrke was a Senior Partner and practiced law for over 12 years in the Corporate Department of Hale and Dorr LLP, predecessor to WilmerHale LLP, a leading U.S. law firm with an internationally recognized corporate and securities practice

Start-up Companies.  Mr. Gehrke has handled the formation of numerous start-up companies, including the representation of founders and early-round investors.

Securities.  Mr. Gehrke has represented issuers and investors in numerous financings. He has significant experience in public offerings, PIPE offerings, venture capital financings, angel investments, Rule 144A placements and other debt and equity securities offerings.

General Corporate.  Mr. Gehrke has provided ongoing corporate advice to a number of public and private clients in a broad range of industries, including software, Internet, telecommunications, consulting, life sciences, financial services and professional sports. His ongoing representation has included matters involving SEC reporting, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, employee stock plans and corporate governance.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Other Corporate Transactions.  Mr. Gehrke has handled numerous mergers and acquisitions. His M&A work has included stock and cash acquisitions, representation of buyers and sellers, and transactions involving public and private companies. He also has significant experience with other corporate transactions such as liquidations, corporate reorganizations and spin-offs.

Employment and Executive Compensation.  Mr. Gehrke has extensive experience with stock option and other equity incentive plans, employment agreements and severance arrangements.

Professional Involvement.  While at Hale and Dorr LLP, Mr. Gehrke was a member of the Software Group and the Hale and Dorr Venture Group, and he participated in the training and mentoring of associates in the Corporate Department and the development of the firm’s corporate forms. He is the author of numerous published articles. Mr. Gehrke has provided pro bono legal services to many non-profit companies in the Boston area.

Education.  Mr. Gehrke received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Cornell Law School. While at Cornell, he served as the Lead Note Editor for, and was the author of an article published in, the Cornell International Law Journal. He received a B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Temple University.

Bar Admissions.  Mr. Gehrke is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is a member of the American Bar Association and Boston Bar Association.