John Yates, Partner, Gunderson Dettmer

In an interview with Focus:, John Yates, Partner at law firm Gunderson Dettmer, discussed the firm’s strategic expansion and its commitment to innovation in legal services. “We believe Atlanta is the most exciting region in the United States for tech growth,” he said, highlighting how the firm’s unique focus on emerging growth companies and venture funds positions it at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.

What strategic factors influenced the decision to establish a presence in Atlanta, and how does this expansion align with your broader growth objectives?

I’ve been very fortunate to spend my entire career in technology law. I was initially intrigued by this area because my sister started a tech company in Silicon Valley in 1980. When I graduated from law school, the IBM PC had just been released, and I decided I wanted to work with fast-growing tech companies and fascinating entrepreneurs. Fast forward to today, I’ve recently become a partner at Gunderson Dettmer, a firm founded in Silicon Valley that has expanded to more than a dozen cities. Along with several colleagues, I’m proud to be a co-founding partner of the new Gunderson office in Atlanta. We believe Atlanta is the most exciting region in the United States for tech growth. Gunderson represents thousands of tech companies and hundreds of funds, creating a powerful synergy when we bring companies and funds together, along with the value-added relationships and introductions we offer. It’s truly a winning formula, and we feel very fortunate to be part of the Gunderson Dettmer team.

What have been the firm’s most notable recent successes, especially regarding new deals and strategic partnerships, even though the Atlanta office is relatively new?

We’ve had an incredible start. Despite the Gunderson firm being new to Atlanta, we already represent over 100 clients. We’ve been able to leverage decades of relationships and significantly expand them through the firm’s platform. Our unique model focuses exclusively on emerging growth companies and the funds that support them. Unlike other firms that diversify into multiple areas, we stay laser-focused on our core. Some of the most successful companies globally have followed this model, and it’s helped us build a broad, national, and even international network that benefits the entrepreneurs and tech companies we serve. Being on the Gunderson team has exponentially magnified our practice, giving us a unique advantage when delivering our value-added services to companies, entrepreneurs, and strategic partners.

In what ways is your firm innovating its legal services or business model to stay competitive in this dynamic environment?

That’s one of the most exciting parts about Gunderson Dettmer — not only do we work with technology companies, but we actively develop and implement technology ourselves. We have a dedicated team advancing our digital platform by integrating AI and other efficiencies to deliver services faster and smarter. For instance, we have a contract generator that allows clients to create customized agreements without having to start from scratch with a lawyer, saving time and reducing costs. We also offer a client portal allowing access to key corporate records and facilitating communication with our legal team. These unique digital tools demonstrate Gunderson’s commitment to client-focused innovation, which is something entrepreneurs and emerging companies truly value.

How do you ensure cohesive service delivery while maintaining a localized, specialized focus in each key market?

Technology is truly a global business now, and that’s why it’s essential for us to have over a dozen offices across the United States and internationally. We’re fortunate to have a presence in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North America. We’ve also built trusted relationships with top-tier law firms worldwide that align with our quality and focus areas. This global, but focused approach enables us to efficiently find the right legal experts, whether from within Gunderson or through our strategic partners, to address country-specific issues like privacy, AI, contract nuances, or restrictive covenants. Although the world lacks uniformity in many legal aspects, we’ve developed a strong platform to deliver seamless service across diverse jurisdictions.

How are you leveraging legal tech and AI to better serve startups and investors in Atlanta and beyond?

AI is incredibly dynamic, with new innovations emerging almost hourly. In Atlanta, our city’s goal is to become the capital of applied AI, meaning we focus on using AI in real business applications. With so many Fortune 100 headquarters in Atlanta, companies are eager to integrate AI into their operations, and that aligns perfectly with our strengths. Internationally, we also have to stay abreast of developments like the European AI Act, which adds another layer of complexity. We’ve developed a carefully curated AI platform that minimizes errors like AI “hallucinations” and focuses on the goal of delivering secure, accurate information. Our investment in AI is about staying at the forefront and applying these tools effectively in our practice to benefit both our clients and our attorneys.

What progress has your firm made in DEI, particularly in the Southeast?

Gunderson Dettmer has always prioritized fairness and respect for everyone, long before I joined the firm. Our lawyers come from all over the country and the world, creating a vibrant, diverse community. In today’s environment, maintaining a culture of fairness, adherence to the rule of law, and treating people with respect is more important — and more challenging — than ever. We’re proud that our culture has remained consistent with these values.

Are there any ESG-related services or initiatives resonating with your clients in Atlanta and the Southeast?

ESG is a fascinating and evolving area. Many of our clients are involved in governance, regulatory compliance, and related sectors. We often work with companies developing digital platforms for ESG compliance, helping businesses meet regulatory and customer expectations. Our clients build software that allows companies to monitor and adhere to environmental and governance standards globally. It’s a natural fit for our business-to-business software focus and an important part of the broader compliance landscape our clients navigate.

How does the firm foster a strong culture, mentorship opportunities, and career growth to attract and retain top talent locally and globally?

Culture is a cornerstone of our success. At Gunderson Dettmer, and in our Atlanta office, we prioritize trust, open communication, and innovation. Trust allows us to have honest discussions and even disagreements without damaging relationships. We strive to maintain an environment where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Our leadership has been instrumental in fostering this culture. We also emphasize innovation, not just for our clients but for our lawyers as well, using AI and digital platforms to make work more efficient and satisfying. When employees feel supported and empowered, it naturally translates into better service for clients.

How are you guiding your clients through the evolving regulatory landscape?

The current regulatory environment is incredibly dynamic, and regulations come from multiple levels: local, state, and federal agencies and executive orders. Our role is to help clients understand how these regulations apply and monitor legal developments closely, particularly as courts interpret and sometimes challenge new rules. This is one of the most dynamic periods I’ve seen in my 40-year career, and it requires a careful, measured approach. We have to be vigilant but not reactive, understanding that some changes may take time to settle through the judicial process. It’s a fascinating time, especially for current law students who are entering a legal landscape very different from previous generations.

What are your key goals and objectives for the next two to three years?

Our main goals include being at the forefront of the changing technology landscape and providing trusted advice, where our clients lead the charge on innovation. We will continue to leverage safe and ethical AI solutions to make legal work more efficient and allow for higher-quality services. Another key focus is maintaining our strong culture even as we integrate more technology. We’re also expanding our reach throughout the Southeast, building communities in cities like Charlotte, Birmingham, Tampa, Charleston, and Raleigh-Durham — all with Atlanta as our hub. The Southeast is the fastest-growing region in the country right now, and we have the tools and the Silicon Valley connections to provide world-class services. Lastly, we’re focusing on succession planning, ensuring that our incredible next generation of attorneys is ready to lead and continue building on our success.