In the lifecycle of a company, when every stage of development brings a fresh set of challenges, Mark Skaist skillfully nurtures entrepreneurial clients from initial startup through final exit. As a transaction lawyer who often serves as general counsel to emerging companies, Mark handles their day-to-day legal needs, even as he works to position them for growth. He plays a key role in helping them navigate the issues involved in formation, funding rounds, and all manner of strategic deals, and they think of him not just as an adroit legal technician, but also as a meaningful, ongoing contributor to their success.

Mark’s clients embody a broad range of business models, each in its own way unique. In the technology sector, he has guided companies in both the software and internet markets. In consumer products — food and beverage, hospitality, fashion, action sports, and, notably, skin care — he has acquired a solid reputation for deft transactions, for adapting to changing business conditions, and for elevating companies, regardless of their current stage, to the next level.

In a wide-ranging corporate practice that is equal parts transactional, financial, and emerging company work, Mark regularly works with venture capital and private equity funds, and advises clients on matters of corporate governance and employee compensation.

Credentials

Education
  • Loyola Law School, J.D., Order of the Coif, Fritz Burns Scholarship for Academic Achievement, 1991
  • University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., economics, 1988
  • Board Member, EvoNexus
  • Board Member, UCI Applied Innovation
  • Technology Industry Leadership Council, OCTANe 
  • Association for Corporate Growth
  • Board Member & Outside Counsel, Discovery Science Center 
  • Board Member, Project Access
  • California