Christopher J. Austin, a 16-year veteran of Ropes & Gray, has joined Goodwin Procter’s Boston office. Austin previously was co-head of Ropes & Gray’s technology company and venture capital practice. In his new role Austin’s practice will focus on public and private technology and life sciences companies, venture capital funds and investment banks.
“I have sat across the table on deals with Christopher many times over the years, and have great respect for him,” said Bill Schnoor, co-chair of Goodwin Procter’s technology companies practice. “He is widely recognized for the depth of his expertise in capital markets and the breadth of his practice across industry sectors including health care IT, life sciences and medical devices, all of which dovetail well with Goodwin’s strengths.”
Austin was a co-founder of Ropes & Gray’s San Francisco office and was there three years before returning to Boston.
“One of Goodwin Procter’s strengths is the sophistication of its public company practice combined with its focus on serving emerging companies and venture capital firms,” said Austin. “Ultimately I concluded that this would be the best platform for me to continue to grow and expand my practice.”
Goodwin Procter has been in expansion mode of late and currently has more than 160 lawyers in its technology companies group. The firm has offices in Boston, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Washington D.C.