In a move to expand its territory in the venture capital space, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has hired back Brian McDaniel, who was most recently in Hong Kong, leading Goodwin Procter's growth efforts in Asia.

McDaniel returned to the Bay Area on Sunday. He has rejoined Wilson Sonsini's fund services and emerging companies practices as a partner in the Palo Alto office.

“My practice involves the formation of technology-oriented venture capital funds, and the Silicon Valley, Wilson in particular, is the center of that world,” said McDaniel. “For me, it was very easy and comfortable to come back to Wilson.”

McDaniel joined Goodwin Procter in 2007 and moved to Hong Kong, along with partner Yash Rana, in 2008 to help Goodwin launch its Asia office in the city, with a focus on private equity, venture capital, technology companies and fund formation.

According to a spokesperson for Goodwin, the firm now has 19 lawyers and paralegals working in the Hong Kong office. That includes life sciences partner Wendy Pan, who joined the firm last month from Sidley Austin.

McDaniel represents clients that are forming funds and investing in Asian companies, especially in China and India.

“Over the years, as the market has matured and venture capital really found its grounding in Asia—in China, and India, and elsewhere—it has become a much more local business,” he added. “For me, I was facing a decision about whether or not to go more local—relocate from Hong Kong to Shanghai or Beijing or Mumbai—or return to the United States.”

Ultimately, he decided to return to the United States largely because of the opportunity to rejoin Wilson Sonsini.

McDaniel is the second partner-level attorney to join Wilson Sonsini's funds services area in the last year, after James Jensen rejoined the firm in July.

McDaniel first joined Wilson Sonsini in 1998 as an associate in the firm's funds practice in the Palo Alto office. He practiced at the Silicon Valley firm for nine years. Before entering legal practice, McDaniel has worked with mission controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

“Dating back to when he was an associate with our firm, Brian has successfully developed the relationships and experience needed to represent U.S. venture capital funds,” said Wilson Sonsini's managing partner Doug Clark, in a statement welcoming McDaniel. “It's even more impressive that he's expanded his experience to include representing cross-border funds in the U.S., China, India and Southeast Asia.”

In a statement regarding McDaniel's departure, Goodwin said, “We thank Brian for his many contributions to Goodwin and wish him all the best.”

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