John Chory retired from the partnership in December 2023 and is currently of counsel. John represents technology and life sciences companies from startup through IPO. He is the former Global Chair of the firm's Emerging Companies & Growth Practice.

John advises both private and public companies in the following areas:

  • Early-stage company formation and strategy 
  • Initial- through late-stage venture capital financings 
  • Public offerings of securities 
  • Mergers and acquisitions 
  • Technology licensing 
  • Securities law

John lectures frequently on legal issues facing emerging companies. He is an Xconomist.

While at Harvard, John taught negotiation as a teaching assistant to Roger Fisher, author of “Getting to Yes.” Prior to attending law school, he was a US Army intelligence officer.

John has been recognized as:

  • A Massachusetts leader in the Private Equity: Venture Capital Investment field in the 2005 through 2022 editions of Chambers USA, where clients have described him as a “fixture in the Boston technology community.” 
  • A Massachusetts leader in the Technology field in the 2014 through 2022 editions of Chambers USA. The guide further stated that “he is quite personable, very strategic and gives great levelheaded advice.” He is also declared to be “a consummate strategizer with a network in Boston to die for.”
  • A Massachusetts leader in the Capital Markets field in the 2015 through 2022 editions of Chambers USA. He is praised for his “demeanor, candor, passion and focus on representing entrepreneurs” as well as being “very steady, very knowledgeable... He's totally unflappable.”
  • A Nationwide leader in the Startups & Emerging Companies field in the 2017 through 2022 editions of Chambers USA, where clients have described him as a “very strategic" lawyer who is "focused on business outcomes."
  • A Leading Lawyer for Venture Capital and Emerging Companies by The Legal 500 US 2015 through 2022 editions, including recognition in the Hall of Fame
  • A three-time Boston Venture Capital Law Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers, as well as a leading lawyer in the areas of corporate law and venture capital by Best Lawyers from 2006 to 2021.
  • A Client Service All-Star by BTI Consulting Group for 2020 and 2021. This recognition is reserved for stand-out lawyers who “impress corporate counsel with their keen understanding of business impacts and unwavering commitment to client objectives.”

John’s clients have included A123 Systems, Actifio, Akamai, AppIQ, ArcherDX, ASAPP, Care.com, Camiant, Cartera, Charles River Development, Claros Diagnostics, CloudHealth, Desktop Metal, Driftt, Inc., The Echo Nest, EqualLogic, First Aid Beauty, Frequency Therapeutics, Gingko Bioworks, Goop, LogMeIn, Nasuni, Portal Instruments, QuantCo, Rent the Runway, Synack, The Farmer's Dog, The Light Co., Veracode, Vlingo, Wayfair, ZappRx, Zintro, and Zipcar.

Bar Qualification

  • Massachusetts

Education

  • JD, Harvard Law School
  • MBA, Golden Gate University
  • BS, US Military Academy