Stephen T. Mears is a partner in Proskauer’s market-leading Private Funds Group and was co-head of that practice for several years. He concentrates on private investment funds, including venture capital, growth equity and buyout funds. He represents fund sponsors in all aspects of fund formation, operation and management, including fund structuring, portfolio investments, sales and distributions, internal governance and management, regulatory compliance and ongoing maintenance and administration. Stephen also represents institutional investors in connection with their participation in private investment funds
Stephen has recently represented sponsors in raising funds ranging in size from under $100 million to over $2.5 billion. Representative clients include:
- GenCap America
- General Catalyst Partners
- New Enterprise Associates
- Sterling Partners
- Thrive Capital Partners
Education
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Boston College Law School, J.D.
summa cum laude
Order of the Coif
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Boston College, B.S.
summa cum laude
Admissions & Qualifications
- Massachusetts
Awards & Recognition
Best Lawyers in America: Lawyer of the Year, Corporate Law, Boston 2025
Best Lawyers in America 2013-2025
Chambers Global: USA: Investment Funds: Venture Capital: Fund Formation 2020-2025
Chambers USA: Massachusetts: Private Equity: Fund Formation 2008-2024
Chambers USA: Nationwide: Investment Funds: Venture Capital: Fund Formation 2016-2024
The Legal 500 United States: Investment Fund Formation & Management - Private Equity Funds 2015, 2017-2023
The Legal 500 United States: Private Equity Funds (Including Venture Capital) 2024
Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2010-2018
New England Super Lawyers 2007-2009
Law Business Research’s Who’s Who Legal: Private Funds 2024
The Capital Commitment
Proskauer on private fund litigation
Edited by Timothy W. Mungovan, Howard J. Beber, Michael R. Hackett, Stephen T. Mears, Kevin J. Perra and Joshua M. Newville