John Bautista Honored for Innovation for Role in Creating the Long-Term Stock Exchange

The Recorder has named partner John Bautista its first Innovator of the Year in California, recognizing his groundbreaking work as co-founder, director and chief lawyer to the Long Term Stock Exchange. John received the award Wednesday as part of the American Lawyer publication’s California Leaders in Tech Law honors.

The Recorder cited John’s leadership in guiding the LTSE from its formation to approval this year by the Securities and Exchange Commission, saying its innovative approach is “designed to change the paradigm of traditional stock markets by rewarding entrepreneurs and investors committed to long-term business strategies.”

The LTSE, which John co-founded with CEO Eric Ries, is expected to start listing companies sometime next year.

In this Q&A, John describes the impetus for establishing the LTSE and his approach to innovation. “Innovation to me means identifying, developing and launching solutions that involve both technology and law to solve significant problems for emerging companies,” John told the publication.

This is the latest recognition of John’s impact on the tech industry. In 2017, Financial Times named John one of the ten most innovative individuals in the law in North America, calling him “one of the most influential lawyers in the technology ecosystem of Silicon Valley.”

In addition, The Recorder also recognized Orrick for the following categories:

• Partner Lynne Hermle, named for a third time to the Women Leaders in Tech Law. “I work with a huge number of tech companies, VCs and executives, and virtually all of them embrace diversity and welcome what women bring to the table – including women with strong voices,” Lynne told the publication.
• California Tech Litigation Department of the Year finalist. On what our tech clients can expect from our teams: “We’re going to invest our time in listening to your goals, learning about your business and the problem you are facing, and work together with you to define a path to achieve your objective,” said partner Jessica Perry, head of the firm’s global litigation practice.
• California Startup Firm of the Year finalist. On what distinguishes our teams: “We’re team players who are curious about our clients’ business technologies and the industries that they are transforming,” our group, led by partners Amanda Galton and Steve Venuto, told The Recorder. “We look beyond our clients’ immediate legal needs and offer them a wide range of experience and knowledge across industries, sectors and stages to ensure that they are set up to succeed.”

Congratulations to our team, as well as our clients who also were honored for innovation in the tech sector: NetApp, Lyft, a Digital Currency Exchange (U.S.), Cruise and a Leading Tech Company (U.S.).