Diane Holt Frankle is based out of legal powerhouse Kaye Scholer in its Silicon Valley office, and she has led corporate mergers and acquisitions deals over the last 25 years that have a total value of more than $12 billion. Coming from an early federal district courtship and subsequent litigation role at a law firm in Washington, D.C., Frankle moved to California in the mid-1980s and joined one of the major firms in the Bay Area, Ware & Freidenrich, becoming a partner in its corporate transactional practice in 1988.
"I had realized before moving to California that I got more enjoyment out of solving problems and getting people to talk to each other constructively," says Frankle, and she became an expert in advising public companies, technology startups, and companies in the health care field on M&A and other corporate board-related matters. The firm she joined in California eventually merged into DLA Piper, and Frankle was a partner and chair of DLA Pipers’ corporate governance and M&A groups in their Silicon Valley office up until joining Kaye Scholer in 2011.
"I’ve practiced with all kinds of technology companies: from life science, biotech, and specialty pharma companies to software, hardware, internet, and semiconductor companies and more," Frankle notes. "Board directors at these companies don’t want to hear case citations—they want to hear practical advice. So the way my practice has evolved, and what is different about me, is that I’m known for being very plain-spoken and direct."
Although she doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to giving clients’ exactly the advice they need to comply with their duties, Frankle’s direct approach is informed by her deep legal expertise, rooted in more than three decades of experience.
Frankle is a member of the ABA’s M&A committee and currently co-chairs the ABA’s joint task force on governance issues in business combinations. Additionally, from 1997–2011, she was chair of the ABA’s subcommittee on public company acquisitions and the editor of the ABA’s Model Merger Agreement for the Acquisition of a Public Company (2011), and also served as chair of the State Bar of California’s Business Law Section Corporations Committee (1993–94). It comes as no surprise that, in addition to this year’s recognition, Frankle was previously selected as a corporate governance "Lawyer of the Year" for the San Francisco area in 2015 and has been continuously listed with Best Lawyers since 2007 for corporate governance law, corporate compliance law, corporate law, and mergers and acquisitions.
Insight
Diane Holt Frankle, San Jose "Lawyer of the Year" for Corporate Governance Law 2017
Kaye Scholer's Diane Holt Frankle on how 25 years of experience have led to over $12 billion in deals.
Related Articles
The Best Lawyers in Northern California
by Best Lawyers
Our 2022 Best Lawyers in Northern California publication features top-ranked legal talent in Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose and Santa Rosa.
An Interview With R. Lewis Van Blois
by Best Lawyers
Oaklands' 2020 "Lawyer of the Year" honoree in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Ragesh K. Tangri, San Francisco "Lawyer of the Year" for Trade Secrets Law 2018
by Nicole Ortiz
Ragesh K. Tangri of Durie Tangri was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Trade Secrets Law.
Cedric C. Chao, San Francisco "Lawyer of the Year" for Arbitration 2018
by Nicole Ortiz
Cedric C. Chao of DLA Piper was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Arbitration.
Michael E. Gatto, Oakland "Lawyer of the Year" for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs 2018
by Van Blois Law Firm
Michael E. Gatto of Van Blois Law Firm was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.
R. Lewis Van Blois, Oakland "Lawyer of the Year" for Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs 2018
by Van Blois Law Firm
R. Lewis Van Blois of Van Blois Law Firm was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs.
Changes in California Employment Law for 2025
by Laurie Villanueva
What employers need to know to ensure compliance in the coming year and beyond
California Grad Student Strike Sparks Legal Free-Speech Battle
by Gregory Sirico
Graduate students in California strike over free speech rights amidst university crackdowns on Pro-Palestine protests, fueling an ongoing legal battle.
Ninth Circuit Blocks California’s Age-Appropriate Design Code Act
by Gregory Sirico
The Ninth Circuit halted aspects of the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act, reflecting free speech issues and the nuanced balance in regulating content.
IN PARTNERSHIP
Steps To Take After an Encino Car Accident
by Andrew L. Shapiro
Hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? You may be able to recover compensation. Call JUSTICENTER Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation today.
Trending Articles
Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore
by Jennifer Verta
This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.
Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition
by Jennifer Verta
Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.
How to Increase Your Online Visibility With a Legal Directory Profile
by Jennifer Verta
Maximize your firm’s reach with a legal directory profile.
Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher
by Jamilla Tabbara
The power of effective communication beyond the law.
Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs
by Gregory Sirico
Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.
The Future of Family Law: 3 Top Trends Driving the Field
by Gregory Sirico
How technology, mental health awareness and alternative dispute resolution are transforming family law to better support evolving family dynamics.
The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In
by Jennifer Verta
Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.
Safe Drinking Water Is the Law, First Nations Tell Canada in $1.1B Class Action
by Gregory Sirico
Canada's argument that it has "no legal obligation" to provide First Nations with clean drinking water has sparked a major human rights debate.
New Mass. Child Custody Bills Could Transform US Family Law
by Gregory Sirico
How new shared-parenting child custody bills may reshape family law in the state and set a national precedent.
The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value
by Jamilla Tabbara
Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.
Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing
by Jennifer Verta
How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.
Finding the Right Divorce Attorney
by Best Lawyers
Divorce proceedings are inherently a complex legal undertaking. Hiring the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.
The Future of Canadian Law. Insights from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honorees
by Jennifer Verta
Emerging leaders in Canada share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Canadian law
New Texas Law Opens Door for Non-Lawyers to Practice
by Gregory Sirico
Texas is at a critical turning point in addressing longstanding legal challenges. Could licensing paralegals to provide legal services to low-income and rural communities close the justice gap?
