Welcome to the latest instalment of IFLR’s ‘Five minutes with’ series, where we learn more about lawyers on a personal as well as a professional level. This time we have Ethan Lutske, partner at Wilson Sonsini in San Francisco.
Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?
I’m a lawyer focusing on mergers and acquisitions, primarily for tech and life sciences companies. I help businesses navigate the legal complexities of buying, selling, and restructuring. M&A law — at least the non-confidential aspects I can discuss at parties — might not be the most exciting conversation topic, but it’s essential for keeping the business world running smoothly.
Talk us through a typical working day.
On a typical day, I’m often on calls or videoconferencing sessions discussing transaction details and negotiating terms. Although this may seem routine, my work is anything but mundane, thanks to the innovative clients I have the privilege to collaborate with. I also prioritise time with my kids, balancing work with driving them to school and participating in their activities.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently involved in various acquisitions and strategic transactions across North America and Europe, covering tech, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, hospitality, and energy. Although I can’t share details about these deals, I can highlight my recent role in guiding Fluent BioSciences through its acquisition by biotech company Illumina and advising digital identity solution company Onfido on its acquisition by data solution company Entrust.
What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?
What makes my job exciting is working on transactions that are almost by definition among the biggest moments in my clients' lives — if not the biggest. This particular transaction has the potential to be a game-changer, influencing their future in profound ways. Naturally, this also means there’s a great deal of pressure to get everything right.
Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful M&A lawyer.
A successful M&A lawyer should approach their role like a chess grandmaster: anticipating future moves, pinpointing critical elements for success, and maintaining a big-picture perspective — all while never losing sight of the details.
What is the most common misconception about being an M&A lawyer?
One of the most common misconceptions I encounter is the idea that lawyers thrive on arguing and aggression, a stereotype often reinforced by TV shows and movies. In truth, M&A lawyers work diligently to get everyone on the same page and build consensus to bring deals to fruition. Arguing and anger aren't just detrimental to the soul — they're also unproductive.
What or who inspires you?
I’m inspired by those who achieve professional excellence while upholding personal integrity. At my firm, many colleagues embody this balance, proving that success and being a good person are not mutually exclusive — you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
If you weren't an M&A lawyer, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d likely be a professor. While studying at NYU, where I also met my wife, I considered a career in academia. Teaching resonates with my passion for problem-solving and making a difference, and it offers opportunities for personal interaction and performance. It would allow me to share my knowledge, spark curiosity, and help shape the next generation — much like my current role does.
Any advice you would give your younger self?
I often emphasise to associates the extraordinary opportunity they have to shape the world right from the start of their careers. A first-year associate has just as much ability to identify issues and drive change as anyone else. I didn’t fully appreciate it when I began my career, but this potential means our efforts can make a significant impact from day one.
