Atty. David C. Clarke

Atty. David C. Clarke

David Clarke, a Partner in Perkins Coie’s national Business Practice, focuses on the representation of emerging growth companies, middle market businesses, public companies, venture funds and private equity funds. David's practice emphasizes mergers and acquisitions, private equity and growth equity transactions, venture capital financings, public offerings and corporate governance.

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Profile Summary

About David C. Clarke at a glance

David C. Clarke is a business, m&a, and securities attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Perkins Coie LLP. Admitted to practice in Washington, Washington State Bar Association. Educated at George Washington University (—, 1991) and Williams College (—, 1987). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Venture Capital Law (Seattle) (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026). Serands clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David Clarke, a Partner in Perkins Coie’s national Business Practice, focuses on the representation of emerging growth companies, middle market businesses, public companies, venture funds and private equity funds
  • David's practice emphasizes mergers and acquisitions, private equity and growth equity transactions, venture capital financings, public offerings and corporate governance
  • David works with privately held clients at all stages of development, serving as outside general counsel and as a key advisor on M&A and corporate finance transactions
  • In addition, David represents leading venture and private equity funds in portfolio company investments
  • David is a regular speaker on M&A, venture capital and private equity topics

Practice Areas Explained

David C. Clarke's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David C. Clarke handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

David C. Clarke is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Washington →

Mergers & Acquisitions

David C. Clarke is one of 49,731 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in Washington →

Securities Law

David C. Clarke is one of 64,529 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in Washington →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Washington

Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David C. Clarke

Where is David C. Clarke's law office located?
David C. Clarke's law practice is located in Seattle, Washington. The firm is Perkins Coie LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David C. Clarke handle?
David C. Clarke focuses on business, m&a, securities. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
Where did David C. Clarke go to law school?
David C. Clarke earned their education at (—, 1991); (—, 1987).
How can I contact David C. Clarke for a consultation?
You can contact David C. Clarke directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David C. Clarke received?
David C. Clarke's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Venture Capital Law (Seattle); Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law; Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law; Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law.

Education

George Washington University
- 1991
Williams College
- 1987

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Venture Capital Law (Seattle)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities / Capital Markets Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Venture Capital Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Biotechnology
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business Planning
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Clean Tech
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Emerging Business
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Joint Ventures
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Equity
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Placements
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Securities
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Strategic Alliances
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transactions
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed as a top lawyer in Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate and Venture Capital by Washington CEO/Avvo
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, "Seattle's Best Lawyers"
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Washington Law & Politics, "Washington Super Lawyers" 2007-Present
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Chambers USA, “America’s Leading Business Lawyers”
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Law (Seattle)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Seattle)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Venture Capital Law (Seattle)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Corporate Law (Seattle)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Seattle)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Venture Capital Law (Seattle)
- 2015
Lawyer of the Year — Securities / Capital Markets Law (Seattle)
- 2014
Lawyer of the Year — Venture Capital Law (Seattle)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

Washington, Washington State Bar Association

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