About Craig R.
Craig R. Venable is a licensed attorney admitted to practice law in the State of California. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1992. His license is currently in active status. Mr. Venable is a special counsel at Cooley LLP, a law firm specializing in emerging companies and venture capital, located in Palo Alto, California. He has been practicing law for over 33 years, serving clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Mr. Venable earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where he graduated in 1992. Prior to law school, he completed his undergraduate education at Williams College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984. During his time at Berkeley Law, he developed a strong foundation in business and corporate law, which has been central to his legal career.
Mr. Venable concentrates his practice in the areas of general business and corporate law, including securities transactions and mergers and acquisitions, with an emphasis on representing emerging companies. He provides legal counsel at all stages of business development, from initial formation and financing to complex transactions and compliance matters. His work encompasses various legal stages, including negotiations, drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting due diligence, and advising on regulatory compliance.
Throughout his career, Mr. Venable has handled cases in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. He has also appeared before the California Court of Appeal on multiple occasions. Prior to joining Cooley LLP in 1997, he gained experience in finance and business development as a banker and executive in the media industry, which has informed his approach to corporate legal matters.
Mr. Venable is an active member of the American Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco. He has been involved in various committees and initiatives within these organizations, contributing to the development of business and corporate law practices. He is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Spanish, allowing him to serve a diverse clientele effectively.
