Contact: Mark Fefer, Marketing Communications, 206.757.8583 or markfefer@dwt.com
JUNLY 6, 2021 – Davis Wright Tremaine partner Wendy Kearns, who is helping some of the world's biggest technology companies build their futures, has been named a Trailblazer by The American Lawyer.
Kearns is the only Washington-based lawyer recognized in the publication's inaugural Trailblazers: West section, which highlights "agents of change" across a dozen states.
Kearns has been the lead player in a succession of deals undertaken by the world's tech giants. These deals often cross borders, entail complicated regulatory concerns, and further the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and autonomous vehicles. She also advises on the legal issues surrounding product development and commercialization.
"Wendy's ability to see around corners, her focus on realistic, practical solutions, and her ability to navigate highly complex deals have made her much in demand," said Pete Johnson, Davis Wright Tremaine's Seattle partner-in-charge. "We're delighted to see her earn this national recognition."
Kearns started out in the software industry in Silicon Valley as a teenager. Her background in business development provides her a strong understanding of how the industry works and how partnerships can drive business growth.
"I always keep in mind when I was in-house, and when I was a technology businessperson, and think through how I would want to be treated," Kearns told The American Lawyer, in a profile published this month. "I'm always thinking about how companies can accelerate their product creation and launches so they can work on the next great thing."
Kearns co-chairs, with Nancy Libin, Davis Wright Tremaine's national technology, communications, privacy and security practice. Being embedded with this group positions her to deftly spot and handle the sophisticated priv/sec issues that frequently arise in multi-jurisdictional tech transactions involving cloud, edge, AI, and VR.
Kearns is a frequent speaker at legal technology industry events and co-hosts, with Kraig Marini Baker, a podcast on tech transactions called "The Dotted Line."
Davis Wright Tremaine recently recognized Kearns with the H. Stewart Tremaine Award, honoring a partner who exemplifies the role of a team player. She is widely known at the firm for her work on diversity, equity, and inclusion and her commitment to training and developing the next generation of lawyers.
Said Johnson: "Like our clients, we at the firm benefit immensely from Wendy's superb skills and business acumen."
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an AmLaw 100 law firm with approximately 580 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.dwt.com.