About Edward Harper
Edward Harper Batts is an attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate governance, and cybersecurity. Currently, he holds the position of partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, located in Palo Alto, California. His experience in the legal field is underscored by his previous role as the Global Chair of M&A and Private Equity at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP from 2016 to 2020. This position allowed him to lead significant transactions and provide strategic counsel to clients. Mr. Batts earned his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1998, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous legal training. Prior to this, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1995.
His academic achievements set a strong foundation for his legal career. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1999, starting his professional journey in law. Throughout his career, Mr. Batts has represented both national and international companies in complex M&A transactions. His expertise includes handling cross-border deals, tender offers, and going-private transactions. He also advises clients on fiduciary duties and corporate governance matters, often addressing crisis management related to cybersecurity incidents. This multifaceted approach ensures that his clients receive comprehensive legal support tailored to their needs.
Before his tenure at Orrick, Mr. Batts was a partner at DLA Piper, where he co-chaired the Northern California corporate group. His leadership in this role further enhanced his reputation in the legal community. He is an active member of the American Nuclear Society and the International Nuclear Lawyers Association, reflecting his commitment to staying informed about developments in specialized legal fields. His contributions to the legal profession have been recognized multiple times, including being named a BTI Client Service All Star and an Acritas/Thomson Reuters Star. In addition to his practice, Mr. Batts has authored corporate governance surveys for the energy and technology industries.
He regularly speaks at corporate law conferences, including the Financial Times Outstanding Directors Exchange and Stanford Directors College. He also participates in UC Berkeley's annual M&A/governance forums, sharing his insights with peers and aspiring lawyers. Fluent in English and conversational in Spanish, Mr. Batts is well-equipped to serve clients. He is based at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP's Palo Alto office, located at 310 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301. For inquiries, he can be reached at 650-614-7400 or via email at edward.batts@gibsondunn.com. For more information, visit his firm's website.
