Karen A. Abesamis focuses her practice on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), strategic and venture capital investments, and technology transactions. Karen works with early and mature technology companies and companies in other sectors interested in growing through technology. She also advises clients in the tax-exempt sector on diverse issues and transactions—such as formation, investment, and compliance—and advises non-profit and for-profit clients on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, guiding clients in structuring transactions to maximize philanthropic impact and mission-goal achievement. Karen represents public and private companies, financial institutions, venture capital and corporate venture capital investors, foundations, and charities.
Karen started and has maintained her practice in the Bay Area. She frequently speaks on topics involving M&A, emerging growth companies, and corporate venture capital. She is involved in various organizations and associations focused on working women, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues, sustainability, and mentorship. Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Karen interned with the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) Enforcement Division, and worked in house at Sun Microsystems, Dodge & Cox Mutual Fund, and Visa International. She has also worked in house through secondment with a firm client handling M&A matters.
Emerging Leader, The M&A Advisor (2019)
Vice Chair- Corporate Law Department Section of San Francisco Bar Association
Member, American Bar Association, Business Law Section
Member, American Bar Association, M&A Committee and Women in M&A Committee
Member and Mentor, Women in Tech Law
Member, ChIPs (Chiefs in Intellectual Property) Silicon Valley