Corporate attorney Paul Tobias, widely regarded for his work with technology and growth companies, has joined Vinson & Elkins LLP as a partner in the firm’s Austin office.

Tobias represents technology companies in all phases of their growth, from startup and venture financing, to acquisitions and public offerings and public company governance. He previously practiced at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where he was the founding partner of the firm’s Austin office.

“Paul is, without a doubt, one of the most respected corporate lawyers in Texas,” said V&E Chairman Mark Kelly. “We are focused on expanding V&E’s technology practice as well as our presence in Austin, and adding Paul to the team provides immediate opportunities that will benefit clients throughout the firm.”

Tobias comes to V&E on the heels of five new Texas-based intellectual property partners who joined the firm in June, including Craig Tyler, who is also formerly of Wilson Sonsini. Tobias and Tyler worked closely together at their previous firm, assisting technology clients with their corporate and IP needs. Tobias expects to have a similar relationship with the IP team at V&E.

“I’m excited to join this terrific group of lawyers,” said Tobias. “I’ve sat across the table from many of my new colleagues over the years, so I know firsthand the excellent work they do for clients, and I look forward to maintaining the momentum they’ve created with the firm’s technology practice in Austin.”

Through his work with growth companies, Tobias has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, representing acquirers and targets. Recently, he advised global vacation rental marketplace HomeAway in its acquisition by travel company Expedia for approximately $3.9 billion. His experience also includes numerous public offerings on behalf of issuers and underwriters, including the Bazaarvoice, HomeAway, RealPage and Solarwinds IPOs.

“V&E has played a major role in the growth of some of Texas’ great tech companies,” said Keith Fullenweider, head of V&E’s Corporate Department. “Paul has long been a trusted advisor to many of the leading entrepreneurs and innovators in the tech sector, and we’re very excited about his arrival at the firm.”

For the past decade, Tobias has been consistently recognized for his work by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (2006-16), including a top-tier ranking this year in the Texas Technology: Corporate Commercial category, in which the publication notes that he “is thought of extremely highly by his fellow professionals.” He received both his bachelor’s and J.D. degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.

“Paul has deep ties in Austin and the Silicon Valley, and his experience will be invaluable as we continue to bolster our global technology practice to better serve our clients,” said Milam Newby, head of V&E’s Austin office.

V&E’s technology team works closely with innovative technology companies as well as many of the most active venture funds, private equity firms and investment banks fueling today’s innovations. The firm’s client roster reflects the diversity of the technology industry, from emerging companies to established, proven leaders in nearly every segment of technology, including software, hardware, Internet, semiconductors, clean energy, digital media and entertainment, biotechnology, life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceutical and telecommunications.

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