Cooley Picks Up Head of O’Melveny’s Fintech Group in Los Angeles

William Pao, the head of O’Melveny & Myers’ fintech practice, is heading to Cooley as the firm continues the expansion of its litigation team.

Pao, who also co-chaired O’Melveny’s artificial intelligence practice, is joining Cooley as a partner in its securities litigation and enforcement group in Los Angeles, the firm announced on Wednesday.

Pao is the latest partner to join Cooley’s expanding litigation bench. Earlier this year, the firm added former Elizabeth Holmes federal prosecutor John Bostic, co-chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America class action practice Teresa Michaud and former chair of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission Elliot Kaye. It also launched a congressional investigations practice in Washington, led by former House oversight committee chief Susanne Grooms.

“Will’s diverse practice is a home run for our innovative clients, especially the fintech and cryptocurrency companies that look to Cooley for sophisticated advice on cutting-edge issues,” said Michael Attanasio, partner and chair of Cooley’s global litigation department, in a statement.

“We are thrilled to have him deepen our securities litigation bench while continuing our push to bring top-tier talent to our LA offices,” he said.

Pao spent nearly 13 years at O’Melveny, advising traditional banking and fintech clients on a wide range of complex and crossborder issues, including commercial and consumer litigation and regulatory issues. He also works closely with emerging financial and technology companies, advising cryptocurrency and blockchain clients on securities, regulatory, and litigation issues.

“I’m excited to be part of Cooley’s recent growth in California,” said Pao in a statement. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues and supporting Cooley’s innovative fintech and banking clients.”