Goodwin Procter

Goodwin Procter. Founded in 1912 in Boston, the firm has grown into a prominent international law firm with a strong focus on dynamic sectors of the economy. It is particularly recognized for its deep expertise in advising private equity firms, venture capital investors, and public and private companies across technology, life sciences, and financial services. With approximately 1,300 attorneys across offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the firm combines a historic New England foundation with a global practice.

History

The firm traces its origins to 1912 when Robert B. Goodwin and Joseph A. Perkins established a practice in Boston. For much of its early history, it served the legal needs of the city's established financial and industrial institutions. A significant period of expansion began in the late 20th century, driven by the economic transformation of Massachusetts and the rise of the Route 128 technology corridor. The firm opened its second office in New York City in 1999, marking a strategic move into a major financial center. Subsequent growth included mergers with firms in Washington, D.C. and Silicon Valley, and the establishment of offices in key international markets like London, Hong Kong, and Luxembourg, solidifying its global footprint.

Practice areas

The firm’s core practices are strategically aligned with innovation-driven industries. Its market-leading private equity group represents many of the world’s foremost buyout and growth equity firms. The technology and life sciences practices provide comprehensive counsel to companies from startup through initial public offering and beyond. Its robust real estate practice handles complex transactions and developments nationwide. The litigation department handles high-stakes disputes, including securities litigation, intellectual property cases, and white-collar crime defense. Additional key areas include a top-ranked financial services practice, debt finance, and a specialized environmental law group.

Notable cases and deals

The firm has been counsel on numerous landmark transactions and litigations. It advised Biogen on its multi-billion dollar collaboration with Samsung Bioepis and represented Apax Partners in its acquisition of TriZetto Corporation. In the real estate sector, the firm guided the development of the massive Hudson Yards project in New York City. Its litigators successfully defended State Street Corporation in a major securities class action and secured a pivotal victory for Novartis in a precedent-setting False Claims Act case before the Supreme Court of the United States. The firm also played a key role in the initial public offering of Wayfair.

Leadership and structure

The firm is structured as a limited liability partnership and is governed by a Management Committee. The firm’s Chairperson, historically a role held for multiple terms, provides strategic direction alongside an Executive Committee. Leadership is decentralized across its major practice groups and geographic regions, including its influential offices in Boston, New York City, and Silicon Valley. This structure is designed to foster deep client relationships and industry specialization while maintaining firm-wide coordination on major initiatives and professional development.

Recognition and rankings

The firm consistently achieves high rankings in industry publications such as Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and Law360. It is routinely placed in the top tier for private equity, venture capital, and life sciences law both nationally and in specific regions like Massachusetts and California. Individual attorneys are frequently listed in guides like The Best Lawyers in America and recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in their fields. The firm is also regularly acknowledged for its pro bono commitment and diversity and inclusion initiatives by organizations like the Human Rights Campaign.