Derek Pease

Derek counsels top domestic and international fund managers in the formation, structuring and management of private investment funds. He works with venture capital and private equity clients through the full life cycle of fund creation and platform development and advises sponsors on internal economic arrangements, co-investments and joint ventures.

With more than 20 years of experience as both in-house and outside counsel, Derek combines deep market experience with legal, regulatory and operational insight to support private fund clients across tech, healthcare, consumer, energy and other innovative sectors. He has guided the launch of large‑scale investment vehicles across growth, venture, buyout and co‑investment strategies and executed key strategic fund transactions. Derek is trusted by clients for his steady judgment, practical approach and ability to address complex legal and operational matters to drive successful business outcomes.

Before joining Cooley, Derek was a director in the legal department of Silver Lake, a global technology investment firm with more than $110 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital, where he partnered with Silver Lake’s investor relations, finance and compliance teams on all fund-related matters. Before that, Derek was a partner at another global US law firm.