Strategic Additions Build on Recent Growth and Enhance the Firm’s Corporate, Transactional, and Innovative Technology Capabilities

Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that it has expanded its Innovative Technology Sector and Transactions Practice Group with the addition of partners Gurpreet Bal and Shaalu Mehra to the firm’s Silicon Valley office. Both attorneys bring substantial experience advising technology companies, investors, and founders on complex transactional and corporate matters.

Bal joins Foley from DLA Piper, and Mehra from McDermott Will & Emery. Their arrival follows the recent addition of a five-partner intellectual property group in San Diego and San Francisco, underscoring Foley’s continued commitment to expanding its capabilities and presence in California and nationally in the tech sector.

“The continued growth of our corporate and transactions platform, particularly in innovation-driven markets like Silicon Valley, remains a strategic focus for the firm,” said Daljit Doogal, Foley chairman and CEO. “Gurpreet and Shaalu add instant and meaningful depth in areas where clients continue to seek sophisticated counsel, including emerging technologies and complex, tech-focused transactions. We are excited to have them join us as we continue expanding our capabilities in this space.”

“The addition of Gurpreet and Shaalu underscores our commitment to building a robust corporate team in Northern California to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Thomas Carlucci, managing partner of Foley’s Northern California offices. “Their extensive experience working with tech companies, as well as their investors and partners, will strengthen our local presence and enhance our ability to guide clients through complex issues and fast-moving transactions. We are pleased to welcome both to Foley’s Silicon Valley office and look forward to the significant contributions they will make to the firm and our clients.”

Over the last two decades, Bal has represented public and private technology companies, investment funds, and founders in capital-raising, M&A, and strategic transactions across industries including AI, semiconductors, fintech, health care, and consumer technology. His work spans the full company lifecycle, from formation and financing to liquidity and exit. Bal has advised on more than 50 M&A transactions totaling over $60 billion in deal value and has represented companies in hundreds of financing rounds, ranging from early-stage venture capital and debt financings to IPOs. His practice draws on these experiences, along with his business background, to provide practical and actionable advice to his company, board, investor, and founder clients.

"I was drawn to Foley’s collaborative team-first and client-first culture and fast-growing presence in Silicon Valley. The firm’s momentum in California, coupled with a unique blend of technology-driven strategy and service-oriented culture provides a solid foundation for supporting clients through all stages of growth,” said Bal. “Additionally, as the legal industry at large enters a watershed moment in how technology integrates into our practices, Foley’s focus on innovation presents a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the broader shift from innovation to adoption, a transition many of our clients and partners are navigating across the country. I am excited for what is next."

Mehra is a technology dealmaker whose practice integrates his experience in venture finance, corporate governance, intellectual property, and technology policy. He has handled significant transactions across sectors such as data assets, security, autonomous systems, mobility, cleantech, digital health, and IoT. Mehra represents a wide range of clients, including Fortune 50 multinationals, venture-backed startups, founders, investment funds, and family offices. His practice draws on his technical background in computer science research and development, as well as ongoing academic collaborations.

“Foley’s strategic growth and extensive capabilities across key sectors, along with its integrated approach, offer an especially strong platform to navigate rapidly evolving legal and technology challenges,” said Mehra. “I’m excited to join the firm during this period of rapid expansion and look forward to contributing to its growing, leading-edge practices.”

About Foley & Lardner LLP

Foley & Lardner LLP is a preeminent law firm that stands at the nexus of the Energy, Health Care and Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing Sectors. We look beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and act as trusted business advisors to deliver creative, practical, and effective solutions. Our 1,100 lawyers across 26 offices worldwide partner on the full range of engagements from corporate counsel to intellectual property work and litigation support, providing our clients with a one-team solution to all their needs. For nearly two centuries, Foley has maintained its commitment to the highest level of innovative legal services and to the stewardship of our people, firm, clients, and the communities we serve