As CEO, I am energized to lead our firm as we advance to new and greater heights. I bring to this role my experience as a business adviser, legal counselor and occasional therapist to some of the greatest minds of our time. My passion for helping clients grow and change the world is matched only by my passion to have Cooley emerge as the great law firm of the next generation.
About Rachel
Rachel is the chief executive officer of Cooley. As partner and CEO, she serves as a member of the firm’s board of directors, and she is focused on shaping and executing the firm’s strategic priorities, reinforcing and strengthening its unique culture, and promoting the continued elevation of Cooley’s powerful brand.
Prior to becoming CEO in January 2024, Rachel headed Cooley’s San Francisco corporate practice, and served as a member of the strategic committee and board nominating committee. She also was a founder and co-chair of the firm’s legal education committee.
Rachel is known as a trusted strategic adviser to public and private companies – as well as venture capital and investment banking firms and other institutional investors – across a broad range of industries. Her corporate and securities law practice focuses on general corporate and complex transactional matters, including venture capital transactions, public and private securities offerings, mergers & acquisitions and other strategic transactions, and public company disclosure and corporate governance.
Education
University of California, Hastings College of Law
JD,
Member, Hastings International and Comparative Law Review
Member, Hastings Security Law Society
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
BA, English, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, University Honors Program
Rankings and accolades
Bloomberg Businessweek: Tech Ones to Watch (2025)
Forbes: Women to Watch (2025)
Chambers USA: Startups & Emerging Companies – Nationwide (2020 – 2024)
Chambers USA: Venture Capital – California (2020 – 2024)
Forbes: America’s Top 200 Lawyers (2024)
The Legal 500 US: Leading Lawyer in Venture Capital and Emerging Companies (2023)
Lawdragon: 500 Leading Dealmakers in America (2024)