About John Anthony
John Anthony Dado is a partner at Cooley LLP, a global law firm specializing in private equity and venture capital fund formation. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1990. His license is currently active. Mr. Dado's practice focuses on the formation and operation of private equity firms, including venture capital funds, buyout funds, fund of funds, and investment advisory businesses. He has been involved in the formation of numerous venture capital and buyout funds, ranging from multibillion-dollar buyout partnerships to early-stage venture capital firms.
His expertise encompasses securities law matters, partnership agreement terms and conditions, investor relations, and relevant tax and accounting considerations. He regularly counsels investment professionals on internal affairs related to the formation and operation of these funds and has significant experience with the departure of senior investment professionals from such firms. Additionally, his practice includes representing various types of private equity funds in private financing transactions. Mr. Dado is a regular speaker at private equity industry conferences and symposia. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law in 1990, graduating Order of the Coif.
Prior to law school, he completed his undergraduate education at the University of California, Berkeley, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with high honors in 1984. Throughout his career, Mr. Dado has been recognized for his contributions to the field. He has been consistently ranked in Chambers USA for Venture Capital: Fund Formation, both nationwide and in California, from 2020 to 2025. He has also been listed in The Best Lawyers in America from 2006 to 2019 and recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Private Equity Funds by The Legal 500 US from 2015 to 2025. Mr.
Dado is an active member of the State Bar of California. He is fluent in English and has a working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, enabling him to serve clients in the Asia-Pacific region effectively. His office is located at Cooley LLP, 3 Embarcadero Center, 20th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111-4004. He can be reached by phone at 650-843-5126 or via email at dadoja@cooley.com.
