WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2026) - Fenwick today announced that Lilyanna L. Peyser, former Legal Branch Chief in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance, has joined the firm as counsel in the Capital Markets and Public Companies practice.
Based in Washington, D.C., Peyser will draw on nearly two decades of SEC experience to advise startups, high-growth companies, and public companies on a range of complex capital markets transactions and securities law; disclosure; and corporate governance matters, including initial public offerings, SEC advocacy, and periodic reporting.
“Lilyanna is a standout talent whose in-depth understanding of the SEC’s review process and regulatory priorities further strengthens Fenwick’s position as a one-stop shop for companies at every stage of growth,” said Richard Dickson, Fenwick’s firmwide chair. “In a rapidly changing regulatory environment, Lilyanna greatly strengthens our ability to provide our innovative clients with the clarity and guidance they need to thrive. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
As a Legal Branch Chief in the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, Peyser led a team of seven attorneys in an industry office that handled among the highest volume of assigned registrants and filings. Peyser regularly analyzed and reviewed public filings to determine compliance with securities laws; collaborated with registrants’ counsel to address legal, disclosure, and transactional issues; and worked on complex policy initiatives.
Prior to becoming Legal Branch Chief, Peyser served as counsel to the Division’s associate directors and special counsel, during which time she drafted and provided guidance regarding myriad Division statements, commentaries, and policies on issues such as cybersecurity disclosures and SPACs.
“Lilyanna brings invaluable knowledge of how the SEC approaches disclosure reviews and interprets policy [and securities laws],” said Ran Ben-Tzur, co-head of the Capital Markets and Public Companies practice. “Her perspective will be instrumental for clients navigating IPOs, complex reporting questions, and emerging regulatory frameworks.”
Before joining the SEC, Peyser spent a decade in private practice at a large international law firm, advising public companies on M&A, equity and debt offerings, periodic reporting, corporate governance, and NYSE and Nasdaq compliance. She also counseled boards and management teams on a wide range of strategic and operational matters.
“As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, companies need advisors who understand not just the rules, but how regulators apply them in practice,” said Peyser. “I’m excited to join Fenwick and help clients manage regulatory risk while advancing their long-term business objectives.”
Peyser joins Fenwick on the heels of a banner year for the firm’s Capital Markets and Public Companies practice, marked by its role in many of the most significant technology IPOs of 2025. Over the past 12 months, Fenwick was the #1 issuer’s counsel on tech IPOs grossing over $475 million, leading the market by both deal count and aggregate value. This includes acting as issuer’s counsel on the two largest VC-backed tech IPOs (CoreWeave and Figma) and advising Wealthfront and Maze Therapeutics in their public debuts. The firm also advised underwriters on the IPOs of Navan and MNTN.
Fenwick is a leading law firm, purpose-built to guide visionary tech and life sciences companies and their investors through every stage of growth, from startups securing their first round of funding to leading publicly traded global enterprises. As one of Silicon Valley’s original legal practices, today we have over 600 lawyers, patent agents, engineers, and scientists serving clients all over the world. Named 2024 Practice Group of the Year for both Life Sciences and Technology by Law360, we are consistently ranked a Chambers first-tier firm for delivering the deep experience and technical skill that help innovators at the forefront of their industries shatter boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Visit www.fenwick.com to learn more.