Dr. Lara Pender

Instructor

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Biography

Lara Alice Pender is a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, specializing in structuring, negotiating, and managing multijurisdictional acquisitions, divestitures, and minority and majority stake investments. Over the years, she has worked in London, focusing on complex, sponsor-backed acquisitions for global private equity sponsors. Since moving to the United States in 2014, Pender has split her time between the Bay Area and the Midwest, deepening her commitment to advising growth-stage companies. Her practice primarily involves international corporate venture capital, and she works with sovereign wealth funds and pension funds. Pender is actively engaged in the burgeoning Midwest venture scene, helping founders and venture capitalists navigate initial funding rounds and early-stage legal strategic issues. She is a partner in Gunderson Dettmer's Ann Arbor office and is admitted to practice in England and Wales, California, and Michigan.

Research Interests

Courses

Harnessing Unicorns: Structuring Negotiating Late Stage Venture Capital Investments

Requirements for University of Michigan Law School

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:23
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:98
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
First degree in law (LLB or equivalent) from a school outside the U.S.
Application Checklist
  • LSAC LLM CAS Report
  • Official Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($75)
Specialization Notes

Administered by University of Michigan Law School; exact department name 'Department of Law' refers to the LLM program.