Robert Purcell is an Of Counsel in the Firm’s Corporate and Investment Funds and Advisers groups with over 20 years of business-oriented legal experience, including over 10 years’ in-house experience in investment management and operations for a prominent SEC-registered investment manager to various hedge funds and a single family office focused on venture investments. His diverse professional background allows him to take a practical, business-oriented approach to solving complex legal issues. He is a trusted advisor to founders, investment professionals and business leaders alike.
Rob advises clients on all aspects of financing, investment and corporate structuring and governance. He plans and structures business transactions, often involving novel, bespoke structures and working with clients throughout the life-cycle of a deal and over multiple transactions. In addition to transactional matters, Rob often counsels clients on a wide range of legal issues, often serving as an outside general counsel.
In his emerging company and venture capital practice, Rob focuses on startup and growth-stage companies, with particular emphasis on the technology, healthcare and consumer sectors, and their investors. Rob also advises family offices and high-net-worth individuals on the structuring, development and implementation of investment strategies, estate planning and other private wealth management matters.
Prior to joining Shartsis Friese, Rob was the President and Chief Operating Officer of a single family office focused on direct investments in early and growth-stage companies. Rob has also worked as the Associate General Counsel for a prominent investment management firm following his time in the Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets groups of Shearman & Sterling LLP and Paul Hastings LLP. Before law school, Rob served as an officer in the Military Intelligence branch of the US Army.