William Newsom

Will represents private investment fund managers, primarily working with VC, growth equity and funds of funds. His clients comprise a diverse group of investment firms in the US and internationally, ranging from emerging managers raising their first fund to Silicon Valley stalwarts, large private equity firms and multinational corporations. As counsel to fund managers, Will provides guidance and advice on all phases of the fundraising process, leading clients from premarketing through final close, and leverages his deep market knowledge to provide sophisticated intelligence on fund terms and industry trends. In addition to traditional venture funds, Will regularly advises clients on complex structuring matters, secondary funds, general partner-led transactions, and the formation and operation of venture studios, accelerators and incubators. Outside the fundraising process, Will acts as a first point of contact and trusted counselor for ongoing fund management matters, counseling on internal structuring, governance and compensation, as well as regulatory compliance.

Before joining Cooley, Will was an antitrust and securities litigator for five years. In law school, he served as senior managing editor of the Hastings Law Journal. He received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from UCLA, with a focus on aerospace.

Outside of work, Will is a wine enthusiast, sci-fi nerd and soccer fanatic. He sits on the advisory board of the Simama Project, a charity providing educational opportunities for underprivileged kids in Nanyuki, Kenya.