Kayla Berkman is a senior vice president in Western Alliance Bank’s Business Escrow Services Group and leads business development efforts on the West Coast. Based in San Diego, Ms. Berkman uses her extensive M&A experience to build and maintain relationships with the private equity, venture capital, legal and M&A communities.
Before joining Western Alliance Bank, Ms. Berkman was a senior director, M&A at Fortis Advisors LLC. Working closely with counsel, deal parties and investors, she was responsible for developing new shareholder representative business, negotiating deal documents and managing post-closing issues for M&A transactions. Prior to that, Ms. Berkman was a corporate attorney in the San Diego office of Cooley LLP.
Ms. Berkman received her Juris Doctor from UCLA and her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from UVA.
Business Escrow Services
Western Alliance Business Escrow Services, a national banking group within Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, is a specialized, trusted resource for strategic buyers, top-tier law firms, private equity firms and other stakeholders involved in mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases and other business escrow transactions. With in-depth experience in the field and a sharp focus on buy-side-related touchpoints, the team provides expert, timely, personalized service and innovative product features coupled with tech-enabled solutions to meet the needs of clients on a global scale. The group tailors paying agent and escrow services related to mergers, acquisitions, asset purchases and other business escrow events at every stage of the deal, from pre-closing to post-closing, with a flexible client-first approach. Business Escrow Services is part of Western Alliance Bancorporation, which has more than $85 billion in assets. Major accolades include being ranked as a top U.S. bank in 2024 by American Banker and Bank Director. With significant national capabilities, the Business Escrow Services Group delivers the reach, resources and deep industry knowledge that make a difference for customers.