Venture funds don't often make their top lawyer a partner. Menlo Ventures just did.

Deborah Carrillo.

Menlo Ventures

• Deborah Carrillo has become a partner at Menlo Ventures after five years as general counsel.
• Her promotion suggests a shift in the role of the legal department at venture capital firms.
• Carrillo manages compliance, fund structuring, and risk assessment at Menlo Ventures.

Deborah Carrillo made a classic lawyer pivot. After a decade at a white-shoe firm, she left to join one of her clients, the venture capital firm Menlo Ventures.