Benjamin Donald Straughan

Ben is a partner in the firm's Emerging Companies practice. He assists high-growth technology, venture-backed and emerging and early-stage companies in industries that include health care, software, alternative energy, consulting companies, media outlets and wine. Ben advises companies in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and other finance transactions, contracts and corporate and limited liability company formation and structuring.

Ben is a regular speaker on mergers and acquisitions, emerging companies and early-stage financings. He is vice-chair of the board of the Northwest Entrepreneur Networks (NWEN), a co-chair of NWEN's 2006 "Entrepreneur University" Steering Committee and also on the board of The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Seattle. He is a member of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Business Law Committee and the WSBA Partnerships and LLC Law Sub-Committee and chair of the WSBA Business Law Section 2009 Mid-year meeting. Prior to joining the firm, he was an associate at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Washington, D.C. Prior to law school, Ben obtained his CPA license while working as a staff accountant at Martin/Grambush in Kirkland. Ben graduated from Georgetown University Law Center magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, and obtained his undergraduate degree in accounting at the University of Washington.