Quinn Emanuel Strengthens Boston Office with Addition of Partner Paul Dacier

Quinn Emanuel Strengthens Boston Office with Addition of Partner Paul Dacier

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan has recruited a heavyweight from Boston's tech scene. Paul T. Dacier, formerly a top lawyer at Indigo Agriculture and EMC, joins as a partner, adding his stellar reputation and vast experience to Quinn Emanuel's arsenal. Dacier, a legal eagle deeply embedded in the city's tech world, strengthens the firm's grip on high-stakes tech litigation. He further bolsters his impressive resume by chairing AerCap, the world's biggest plane leasing company.

Dacier brings his expertise as a seasoned chief legal officer and a proficient member of senior management teams to Quinn Emanuel. During his tenure at EMC, spanning over 26 years, he played a pivotal role in the substantial international expansion of the company. Under his leadership, EMC's market capitalisation surged from $100 million to $55 billion, transforming it into the globe's premier enterprise storage company and subsequently a diversified technology firm. Eventually, in 2016, Dell acquired EMC for $67 billion. Dacier's impact extended beyond financial achievements, as he established an exceptional and award-winning legal organisation that became a key competitive advantage for EMC.

“Paul has a sterling reputation as a builder and leader of first-class legal teams. This talent combined with his experience dealing with legal issues surrounding cutting-edge technology make him an ideal fit for our Boston practice and beyond,” said John B. Quinn, the firm’s Founder and Chairman. “We are pleased to have him joining us.”

While at Indigo, Dacier spearheaded the legal team for a venture capital-backed start-up specialising in agricultural technology. The company focuses on providing products tailored to enhance crop health and boost yields. His next venture involves joining Quinn Emanuel, where he will contribute his expertise to the Corporate Governance Litigation and Crisis Law and Strategy practice groups.

“I am delighted to be joining Quinn Emanuel. Their reputation as the world’s pre-eminent business litigation firm is recognized everywhere, and it’s an honour to become a member of such an accomplished, first-class team,” Dacier said.

A highly regarded figure in the Boston legal community, Dacier held the prestigious position of President at the Boston Bar Association. Notably, he made history as the first general counsel to assume the role of President in the association's 223-year history, overseeing its 10,000 members during the 2013-2014 term.

Beyond his role as a builder and leader of legal teams, Dacier possesses an in-depth understanding of the Massachusetts judiciary. Serving as the Chairman of the Massachusetts Judicial Nominating Commission from 2015 to 2022, a position appointed by then-Governor Charles Baker, he provided counsel to the Governor on judicial nominations for the Massachusetts Trial Courts and Appeals Court. His efforts led to the appointment of 252 new judges and 35 Clerk-Magistrates. Additionally, Dacier served as Co-Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Court Nominating Commission from 2016 to 2020, another appointment by Governor Baker. In this capacity, he co-led a 12-member committee tasked with advising the Governor on filling vacancies on Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court, resulting in the historic appointment of seven justices, including the state’s Chief Justice.

“Paul enjoys an outstanding reputation in Boston and beyond. His stature and career accomplishments speak for themselves,” said Anthony Bongiorno, the Boston-based Chair of Quinn Emanuel’s Health Care Practice. “As our office here continues to build on its success, we are delighted to welcome Paul and have someone of his experience help steer our growth.”