Paul Tobin
Biography
Paul Tobin is an Orange County corporate partner who advises companies across the business life cycle, from formation and governance through financing, contracting, joint ventures, partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. He represents businesses ranging from early-stage companies to large global entities.
His work includes initial organization, corporate governance, capital raising, commercial contracts and later-stage transactions, including joint ventures, partnerships and mergers and acquisitions for both buyers and sellers.
His global business background includes both in-house and outside counsel roles, and he has represented companies in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. Having served in-house for a global company in a complex industry, Paul understands the practical demands facing corporate legal teams and helps in-house counsel navigate all aspects of an assignment.
Throughout his adult life, Paul has also been active in charity work and social entrepreneurship, and he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Orangewood Foundation, an Orange County charitable organization focused on education and skill development for foster and disadvantaged youth. Haynes Boone supports Paul’s charitable work.
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- Orangewood Foundation, Chair of the Board of Directors
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- "Early-Stage Funding for Life Sciences Businesses," co-author, Haynes Boone Client Alert, July 20, 2026.
- “Key California M&A Considerations for Life Sciences Businesses: Part 1,” Co-Author, Haynes Boone Client Alert, January 7, 2026.
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Education
- J.D., New York Law School
- B.A., Political Science and History, Kenyon College
Admissions
- California
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What do clients typically ask you to help with?
I help companies handle the legal needs that come up as they form, grow, raise capital, contract with others and pursue larger strategic transactions. That can include corporate governance, financing, commercial agreements, joint ventures, partnerships and mergers and acquisitions.
Do you work with startups or more established companies?
Both. I represent companies at the earliest stages of development as well as large global entities. The common thread is helping the company address its legal needs in a way that fits its stage, structure and business objectives.
Can you advise on buying or selling a business?
Yes. I advise clients in mergers and acquisitions when they are acting as either the buyer or the seller. I also work on related extraordinary transactions, including joint ventures and partnerships.
How does your business background affect your legal advice?
My career has included both in-house and outside counsel roles, so I understand legal issues from more than one business perspective. I have also represented companies across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
What community work are you involved in?
I serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of Orangewood Foundation, an Orange County charitable organization focused on education and skill development for foster and disadvantaged youth. Charity work and social entrepreneurship have been important parts of my adult life.
