W.H. Kip Johnson

W.H. 'Kip' Johnson III serves as a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University School of Law, where he teaches courses on Venture Capital Financing and Structuring Venture Capital and Private Equity Transactions. He was the founding director of the Start-Up Ventures Clinic at Duke Law School. Alongside his academic role, Johnson maintains an active legal practice as a founding partner at Morningstar Law Group in Durham, North Carolina.

Johnson's educational background includes an AB in Economics from Duke University (1988, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), a JD with high honors from Duke School of Law (1994, Order of the Coif), and an MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business (1994, Fuqua Fellow and Scholar). His dual expertise in law and business informs his teaching and practice.

Johnson's professional focus centers on securities law, venture capital, and representing technology companies. His research and teaching interests span venture capital transactions, startup formation, intellectual property licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance. He has particular expertise in representing information technology, software-as-a-service, apps, gaming, telecommunications, e-commerce, social media, and fintech companies.

Professional Recognition:

• Chambers USA 'Leading Individual' in Corporate/M&A (2011-2012)
• Best Lawyers recognition across multiple practice areas (2018-2025)
• Consistent inclusion in legal industry publications for venture capital and corporate law expertise

Johnson has helped clients raise over $500 million in venture capital, private equity, and angel investments throughout his career. His practical experience in fund formation, syndication, and portfolio company investments provides valuable context for his academic work. He also works with universities to create and operate alumni angel networks, connecting academic institutions with investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem.

As both an educator and practitioner, Johnson bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world legal practice, offering students direct exposure to current developments in business law and entrepreneurship.