Life Sciences: Nationwide

THE FIRM This leading firm wins praise for its full range of legal services within life sciences. It is recommended for its expertise in corporate and transactional work and is particularly strong within the California market. The firm has represented large clients including Amgen, Gilead Sciences and Genzyme.

Sources say: "Cooley is strong across the board in life sciences."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Fabulous licensing lawyer" Robert Jones is deeply experienced in representing biotechnology companies in corporate life sciences.   

Barbara Kosacz wins praise for her "very practical no-nonsense approach" to corporate and commercial matters. She has assisted clients at every stage of development, from public companies to technology startups. 

Fred Muto draws on his experience as a business lawyer to provide commercially astute counsel to technology and life sciences clients.

Kay Chandler is known and respected for representing both private and public clients at the intersection of life science and corporate law.

THE FIRM This firm combines a standout regulatory practice with burgeoning corporate and IP groups. In the past year the firm's litigation practice represented Genentech in the widely publicized FDA hearing that withdrew approval for the cancer drug Avastin to be used for breast cancer. Other key clients from the pharmaceutical industry include GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Salix Pharmaceuticals.

Commercial Awareness "Covington just knows this industry and has really grown in patent litigation stature."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The "very knowledgeable" John Hurvitz is known to be adroit in complex corporate matters. He is praised for the "very intellectual approach" he takes toward large-scale transactions. 

Richard Kingham "is well known as a leading practitioner" in the regulatory and FDA space. He is experienced in representing large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in both the US and Europe. He divides his time between the firm's Washington, DC and London offices. 

Emily Leonard is lauded by sources for having "the ability to see the big picture and get the deal done" and "bringing a constructive approach to the table." She recently advised on the corporate aspects of Eli Lilly's termination of its alliance with Amylin Pharmaceuticals and subsequent dispute resolution.

James Snipes has broad experience in the corporate and transactional aspects of life sciences work. He is recommended for licensing matters and other commercial agreements.

Peter Safir cochairs the firm's food and drug practice group and is praised as a "tremendously experienced, knowledgeable and helpful regulatory attorney." In addition to his regulatory advice, he has conducted internal investigations on behalf of pharmaceutical and medical device clients. 

THE FIRM This prominent national IP boutique is highly recommended for its ability to represent life sciences clients in the full range of intellectual property and patent work. The firm has acted for long-term client Boston Scientific in a patent infringement case relating to the use of digestive tract stents. Other clients include Abbott Laboratories, Philips Electronics and AstraZeneca.

Commercial Awareness "A very good life sciences patent practice and a very deep bench with quality at every level."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Patent litigator Charles Lipsey "has a wonderful demeanor in the courtroom which translates into victories," according to sources. He is universally respected for his skill in both trial preparation and courtroom advocacy. He recently represented Eli Lilly in a major pharmaceutical patent dispute.

THE FIRM Latham's nationwide reputation in life sciences has been further enhanced with the opening of a Boston office to afford the firm a formidable presence on both coasts. The practice is able to undertake complex, large-scale transactional work along with a strong regulatory practice in Washington, DC. Major clients include Plexxikon and Eli Lilly.

Client Service "We've always been very pleased with the firm's responsiveness. Issues related to the FDA have been increasing and we've been pleased that when we use Latham those issues are resolved quickly."

Commercial Awareness "The team jumps in, assesses the situation, puts the resources in place and turns the ship around very quickly. Outstanding."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Alan Mendelson is described as "a great counselor with great strategic vision of what companies in this area need." He is revered for the transactional and corporate facets of life sciences he displays in his business and legal acumen. He recently advised Plexxikon during its acquisition by Daiichi Sankyo for $935 million. 

"Very good licensing attorney" Judith Hasko wins plaudits for her expertise in highly technical licensing and partnering transactions. She is further praised for her "good grasp of the commercial aspects of a contract and the IP issues in an agreement." In the past year she acted for MAP Pharmaceuticals during its collaboration with Allergan.

Charles Hoyng is respected for his abilities within the commercial and corporate areas of life sciences. He has recently represented Takeda Pharmaceutical and Geron Corporation. 

Michael Hall is praised by sources as a "very good lawyer". In the past year he represented Prometheus Laboratories during its acquisition by Nestlé Health Science S.A.

THE FIRM This firm fields strong teams of practitioners in both corporate and IP areas relating to life sciences. It is particularly recommended for its work in M&A and complex licensing matters. The team has recently represented numerous major pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies including Genzyme and Johnson & Johnson. Recent highlights include the representation of Alexion in its $1.1 billion acquisition of Enobia Pharma.

Sources say:  "Ropes & Gray has a great practice in this area and has good deal lawyers with a nice client base."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very good corporate lawyer" Geoffrey Davis represents medical device and pharmaceutical companies during transactions and licensing matters. 

Marc Rubenstein is co-leader of the firm's life sciences practice. He has particular expertise representing companies in complex licensing matters and M&A. He has recently represented Hutchison MediPharma in a co-development and licensing agreement with AstraZeneca.

Steven Wilcox focuses his practice on providing M&A counsel to medical device and pharmaceutical companies. According to commentators "he doesn't get bogged down in detail, knows what is achievable and gives sensible advice." He recently advised Pfizer during its acquisition of Icagen.

THE FIRM WilmerHale's full service approach enables clients to benefit from a life sciences practice that excels in litigation and transactional work. The firm represents a wide range of clients, from pharmaceutical companies to venture capitalists. Its national presence stems from a strong grounding on the East Coast in New York, Washington, DC and, in particular, Boston. Peers agree that the team provides major competition for significant life sciences work across the country.

Sources say: "WilmerHale enjoys a good reputation for litigation and prosecution and it is very well deserved."

KEY INDIVIDUALS William Lee is widely regarded as the one of the most able patent litigators in the country. "He brings wisdom, clarity and an elegance that comes from simplicity to his presentation," say commentators. He is particularly recommended for complex and sophisticated IP litigation.

The deeply experienced Steven Singer focuses on licensing and transactional matters. He wins praise for both the depth of his legal acumen and his efficient, incisive approach to legal issues. "He's very practical and doesn't waste time on nonsense," say sources.

"Phenomenal lawyer" David Redlick combines his stellar reputation as a corporate attorney with a deep knowledge of the life sciences market. He is an experienced adviser to both private and public companies on corporate and transactional matters.

Alfred Server has expertise in corporate partnering and has represented a wide range of clients. He earns praise for his intellectual approach.

THE FIRM Arnold & Porter's comprehensive life sciences practice group offers clients strong transactional, regulatory and litigation services. The team has been particularly active on behalf of pharmaceutical companies in a range of issues, while also representing various technology clients in patent litigation.

Sources say: "They are high-quality lawyers with a wide client base in pharmaceuticals."

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Marsh cochairs the firm's IP practice from Washington, DC. He has broad experience in patent prosecution on behalf of various major companies.

Steve Parker "gives solid advice across the board to clients" and is deeply experienced in life sciences transactions. 

THE FIRM This firm is known for its strength in IP and earns particular praise for its prowess in litigation relating to life sciences. It also assists clients in the development of IP strategy for biotech products. The firm recently represented Pfizer in an appeal following a product liability suit brought in relation to a diet drug. Other key clients include AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Client Service "The lawyers are very responsive and very engaged in our business."

Commercial Awareness "There are people there who can get in and understand the scene. In this work you need to understand the underlying issues and they are top-notch when it comes to the law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very sharp guy" Daniel Becker advises clients across the full spectrum of patent matters. He is particularly experienced in IP due diligence, re-examination in relation to patent infringement litigation and providing all manner of patent strategy. 

Ann Caviani Pease is chair of the firm's patent practice and cochair of the IP group. Her practice focuses on developing IP and patent strategies. She recently represented Endo Pharmaceuticals in sophisticated patent litigation. 

THE FIRM This deep life sciences practice has a broad range of expertise in both commercial and transactional matters. The team advises clients in financing, strategic alliances, M&A and patent litigation. It also has a strong regulatory capacity thanks to its healthy presence in Washington, DC. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kingsley Taft is singled out for his ability to provide corporate and business law advice to venture backed life sciences clients. "He has a broad skill and is very effective," according to commentators. 

THE FIRM Hogan Lovells continues to be best known for the strength of its regulatory and FDA practice, acting on behalf of clients such as Abbott and Biogen. The firm is also active on transactional matters and recently represented Martek Biosciences during its acquisition by Royal DSM NV for $1.09 billion.  

Sources say: "Hogan has incredible regulatory capacity."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Experienced practitioner Robert Brady is "definitely a leader" on regulatory matters. Based in the DC office, he has advised clients at all stages of the FDA approval process. 

David Fox is a regulatory specialist with particular expertise in pharmaceuticals and biological products. He is recommended for advice on regulatory compliance and approval for new products.

THE FIRM This group is commended for its strong corporate practice as part of a broad life sciences focus which also takes in technology transactions, IP counseling and patent litigation. It is particularly well regarded for its representation of startups and technology companies on the West Coast. The firm recently acted for Amgen in a EUR695 million collaboration agreement with Micromet.

Sources say: "The firm is a leader in the field on the corporate side. It has a deep patent practice and a strong litigation practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Tough but effective negotiator" Kenneth Clark is praised for his "good sense of the market and strong connections." He regularly represents biotechnology companies in transactions.

Casey McGlynn has a healthy reputation within the community for assisting technology clients with financing and corporate transactions, particularly public offerings. 

THE FIRM This nationwide firm fields a team of 19 life sciences attorneys who are experienced in transactional matters and IP litigation. The team has represented a range of prominent clients including Novartis, Elan Pharma International Limited and Abbott Laboratories. Recent highlights include representing AstraZeneca in the high-profile Seroquel litigation.

Client Service "High-quality legal advice is delivered in a way that meets both cost and timeliness expectations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS New York partner Earl Austin heads the firm's life sciences practice.

THE FIRM This practice couples its well known litigation department with a strong transactional capacity. Its lawyers are experienced in acting for life sciences clients in a wide range of matters including patent litigation, product liability and government investigations. Recent clients include AstraZeneca, Vatera Healthcare and Pfizer.

Commercial Awareness "Kaye Scholer can take complex patent litigation and turn it into something a judge and jury can understand."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Adam Golden is noted for his skill in transactional matters including M&A, IP licensing and corporate partnering. He recently acted for Novartis in the $420 million sale of global product rights to Meda AB.

Gerald Sobel is deeply experienced in IP litigation and is well respected for his strong record of representing large corporations in high-value cases.

THE FIRM The team at McDermott has broad experience in representing clients ranging from academic research centers to biotechnology companies. It is recommended for regulatory counsel and representation in commercial transactions such as mergers and licensing. Recent clients include Lantheus Medical Imaging and Isis Pharmaceuticals. It recently represented Amgen in allegations of Medicare fraud.

Commercial Awareness "I highly rate the team depth. The lawyers don't just give me the law, they give me practical advice on how to implement the law."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Washington, DC partners Glenn Engelmann and Reed Stephens, William Gaede from Silicon Valley and Byron Kalogerou in Boston all co-head the practice. 

THE FIRM The life sciences practice group at this firm has experience in both transactional and regulatory work. It is recommended for licensing, public offerings and structured collaborations. Recent clients have included ARIAD Pharmaceuticals. BeiGene and BG Medicine.

Client Service "What distinguishes Mintz Levin is that it views client relations as its number one job."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Boston-based practice head Jeffrey Wiesen "is distinguished by his truly remarkable experience in biotechnology, both in the industry in general and licensing transactions," say sources. He is particularly praised for his deep expertise in transactions and licensing.

Jonathan Kravetz chairs the firm's securities practice from Boston and is praised for his "extraordinary insight into the subtleties of securities law." He is experienced in advising biotechnology and medical device clients on transactions and strategy. He recently served as lead counsel to ARIAD Pharmaceuticals during their public offering.

Ivor Elrifi "knows the biotech industry inside and out." He has experience advising and litigating on behalf of life science clients including biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies. 

THE FIRM This firm is strongly represented on both the East and West coasts. It is widely respected for its expertise in representing large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. It recently provided guidance and counsel to private equity fund consortium Apax Partners during its $6.3 billion acquisition of Kinetic Concepts. 

Sources say: "A solid group with a good FDA practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS DC-based Kathleen Sanzo leads the firm's FDA and healthcare practice. She has deep expertise in the regulatory compliance arena and is recommended for all FDA approval matters. She recently defended Johnson & Johnson against allegations of off-label promotion under the False Claims Act.

THE FIRM The life sciences practice at Morrison & Foerster is anchored in California where it has offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto and San Diego. Widely recognized for its strength in IP prosecution and litigation, the firm continues to build its reputation in the transactional space representing companies such as Abraxis Bioscience during its $2.9 billion acquisition by Celgene. Other clients include Genentech, Hansen Medical and Energy Biosciences.

Client Service "Very conscientious with consistent and aggressive outreach to clients."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kate Murashige continues to garner nationwide respect for her San Diego IP practice and is known as "one of the top prosecutors in that work." Her extensive experience makes her a "pioneer in the field."

THE FIRM Pillsbury has a robust reputation in life sciences with particular strength in transactions including collaboration deals, corporate partnering and licensing. The firm recently acted for Merck & Co during a case challenging drug pricing ceilings at the appellate level and then in the US Supreme Court. It has also acted for Biogen Idec in a global collaboration deal relating to an autoimmune disease drug.

KEY INDIVIDUALS San Diego partner John Wetherell and Steven Meltzer in McLean, Virginia co-head the practice.

THE FIRM This global firm is a recognized presence in life sciences nationwide with offices in California, Chicago and along the East Coast. The practitioners are experienced in a wide range of life science specialties and are particularly recommended for regulatory matters and FDA advice. Recent clients include Bayer, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.

Sources say: "Broad FDA and white collar practices along with a very good life sciences IP practice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Washington, DC partner Scott Bass heads the firm's global life sciences team and is an experienced regulatory practitioner. He wins plaudits for being "highly responsive to client needs."

The "very thoughtful and knowledgeable" Coleen Klasmeier is head of the firm's food, drug and medical device regulatory practice in Washington, DC. She has broad experience of FDA-related matters and is recommended for her expertise in advising FDA-regulated companies on compliance and strategy. 

THE FIRM This firm's life sciences team continues to develop after substantially increasing its IP presence. It is experienced in advising clients on financing issues, corporate partnering, regulatory compliance and IP strategy. Its broad expertise in IP also enables it to handle related litigation.

Commercial Awareness "Tremendous and unmatched capability in life sciences IP litigation. For complex and challenging life sciences IP litigation, this is the team you need." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Dougherty is a key contact.

THE FIRM This nationwide firm has a respected IP practice. Its practitioners are experienced in acting for clients of all sizes, from established pharmaceutical companies to biotechnology firms and startups. On the transactional side it is recommended for licensing, acquisitions and strategic alliances. 

Sources say:  "A good patent litigation firm."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Leora Ben-Ami has a strong reputation in patent and IP litigation. She has extensive experience acting for large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. "If you have bet-the-company patent litigation, she's your go-to lawyer," say interviewees.

THE FIRM This firm has 17 partners who focus their practices on life sciences work. The firm is recommended for both IP litigation and corporate transactions including mergers, joint partnerships and licensing. Major clients include Cell Therapeutics and Nektar Therapeutics.

Sources say: "The work done is informed by a concern for our commercial considerations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS "Very responsible and highly business focused" California partner Sam Zucker acts for clients in M&A, venture capital financing and other complex transactional work. Sources say "he understands the relationship between regulation and business objectives." Recent clients include Celsion Corporation and ADVANCE Medical. 

THE FIRM  This firm is recommended for its transactional capacity and expertise in assisting clients to develop IP strategies for a range of products at all stages of development. The firm continues to act for long-term client Celgene and recently advised it on a collaboration with French company Vaxon Biotechnology.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Daryn Grossman heads the firm's life sciences group from New York. Her practice is focused on corporate and transactional matters. She recently advised global healthcare company Grifols, SA on the IP aspects of its acquisition of Talecris Therapeutics.

THE FIRM This firm is experienced in advising clients on regulatory and transactional issues. The team is recommended for licensing, co-promotion arrangements and acquisitions. Its regulatory practitioners are able to help clients at every stage of product development and marketing. Recent highlights include acting for Inspire Pharmaceuticals in a licensing agreement dispute with Allergan.

Sources say: "The work Reed Smith does is really sophisticated."

KEY INDIVIDUALS New Jersey partner Diane Frenier has deep experience of pharmaceutical and biotechnology in representing the corporate side of life sciences. She is recommended for M&A, licensing and partnerships. Recent clients include Vectura Group.