Erika Kikuchi currently practices law in the corporate group at the Silicon Valley office of King & Spalding alongside the excellent team spearheaded by the highly recognized partners Judy O’Brien, Laura Bushnell and Emma Maconick. Erika’s practice focuses closely on venture start-ups in various industries (software/social media, solar, semiconductor, etc.) and in all stages of development through acquisition or IPO. She works closely with her clients on corporate and securities matters, including corporate formation, angel investments, company-side and investor-side venture capital financings, board and corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions and public offerings. Prior to joining K&S, Erika worked at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR) and DLA Piper in Palo Alto, both top tier international law firms in Silicon Valley.
Erika’s priority is establishing strong relationships with her clients by providing the most effective and cost-sensitive legal counsel tailored to her client’s specific needs, whether the client is a two-man start-up or a large private company going through a company sale. She believes communication is the key to an excellent attorney-client relationship and this includes being available and responsive to questions and having an open dialogue regarding billing practices and fees. She will work closely with the client to create a flexible, tailored billing plan so there are no surprises and her clients know exactly what to expect. Above all, she truly enjoys the practice of law, getting to know her clients and working together with them to help keep the energy alive in Silicon Valley.
Bar Admission
- California
Education
- Boston University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2004 (Honors, Intellectual Property Law Concentration; Honors, International Law Concentration; Note Editor, Journal of Science & Technology Law)
- Boston University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, Master of Arts in International Relations, 2004 (summa cum laude; focus on business culture of East Asia)
- University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts, 2000 (With Distinction; dual major in Japanese and Psychology)
Experience Prior to Silicon Valley Legal Practice
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), 2004-2005 (helped introduce technology companies into the Japanese market)
- Hayabusa Kokusai Law Officers (Landwell Japan), Summer 2003/2004 (summer legal internship at this Japanese law firm entailed work on various corporate transactional projects such as presentations comparing and contrasting Japanese and American corporate governance developments)
- JET Program 2000-2001, Coordinator of International Relations
Non-Legal Memberships, Skills and Activities
- Excelsior Racing Team (member of the Board of Directors)
- Mickaboo Bird Rescue volunteer
- Dolphin South End Running Club
- Silicon Valley Triathlon Club
- Menlo Masters Swimming
- Figure competitor (class champion in multiple competitions)
- Conversational Japanese