The core pillars of the life sciences and healthcare offering at A&O Shearman are transactional work, IP litigation and regulatory advice.  Additional areas of strength include antitrust, employment and investigations. Practice co-head Jim Ford has developed a market reputation for advising on matters at the cutting edge such as the use of AI and machine learning in the drug development process. Fellow co-head Matthew Appleton excels in transactional mandates encompassing cross-border brand divestitures, strategic collaborations, acquisitions, and sales. Marjan Noor excels in life sciences patent litigation and frequently handles both enforcement and defence on behalf of patent holders. Rafi Allos‘ contentious expertise incorporates litigation against generics. Cross-border transactional work involving the development and exploitation of IP is a mainstay of Megan McMellon‘s practice.

Praised for its ‘superb knowledge of the industry’ Bird & Bird LLP  handles a wide range of work including IP, regulatory, transactional, and commercial law mandates. Mark Hilton co-heads the practice alongside Brussels-based IP expert Marc Martens. Hilton specialises in patent litigation and is active across areas such as high-value patent revocation and infringement proceedings and damages enquiries. Sally Shorthose is well-placed to guide life sciences clients through licensing, partnering and exploitation agreements. Morag Macdonald and Eleanor Root further extend the patent litigation expertise at the firm, while corporate specialist James Baillieu‘s expertise extends to venture capital financings and exits. Qualified barrister Chris De Mauny is a key member of the firm’s international patent group. Pieter Erasmus excels in regulatory matters relating to digital health and medical devices.

From the establishment and financing of pioneering life sciences companies to patent litigation and complex IP issues relating to projects and collaborations concerning products and services driven by AI technology, Bristows LLP is active across a wide range of work in the life sciences space. Practice co-head Liz Cohen is a seasoned patent litigator with a proven track record in co-ordinating cross-border litigation. Fellow co-head Richard Dickinson is equipped to assist clients with manufacturing and supply agreements. ‘Standout‘ partner Brian Cordery is active across patent disputes for medicines used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis, leukaemia and heart failure, while Alex Denoon‘s regulatory expertise is sought after by clients specialising in disruptive technologies. Robert Burrows‘ expertise extends to plant variety right cases for clients in the life sciences sector, and Claire Smith  advises on a range of commercial partnering agreements. Adrian Chew further extends the patent disputes expertise at the firm.

A range of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies and medical device manufacturers turn to Covington & Burling LLP for assistance with work including strategic transactions, M&A, fundraising, post-Brexit divergence and issues related to digital health. Grant Castle heads up the team. His far-reaching practice incorporates GXP-related advice to pharma companies, including in relation to pharmacovigilance and manufacturing issues. Solicitor advocate Brian Kelly represents a range of pharmaceutical clients before English courts and EU Courts. Sarah Cowlishaw is noted in the market for her expertise pertaining to digital health. Daniel Pavin has developed a market reputation for handling collaborations and commercial agreements in the life sciences sector. Winsome Cheung is well-placed to guide pharmaceutical companies and innovative biotechnology companies through the intricacies of strategic partnering arrangements, while Raj Gathani is a popular contact for clients looking to launch new medicines, devices and digital health products into the UK market.

Hogan Lovells International LLP  far-reaching practice encompasses expertise in areas including intellectual property, product liability and commercial litigation, regulatory and licensing. A trio of partners oversee matters: Stephen Bennett’s proficiency in contentious patent matters has made him a key contact for pharmaceutical companies. Matthew Felwick is well-placed to handle sensitive mandates such as coroners’ inquests following unexpected deaths. Jane Summerfield is frequently tasked with advising on the regulatory aspects of clinical trials, product authorisation and supply chain licensing. Further recommended are Penny Powell, who frequently guides clients through corporate and commercial deals in the life sciences, healthcare and technology sectors, and Stella Wong who excels in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation.

Core pillars of the practice at Pinsent Masons LLP include patent and supplementary protection certificate (SPC) strategic advice and litigation; transactions including, asset purchases & sales, corporate financing and licensing; and advice across a range of UK and EU competition issues. Charlotte Weekes heads up the life sciences team and is well-versed in contentious patent work, notably in matters involving generics and biosimilars. Joanne Ellis heads up the healthcare offering from the firm’s Birmingham office. She frequently handles private company and private equity work in the sector including investments, refinancings and disposals. Gareth Morgan is noted by peers in the market for his expertise in IP trials concerning patent entitlement and the interpretation of IP licences.  Patent litigator Christopher Sharp frequently acts in cases in courts ranging from the Patents Court to the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court. Allistair Booth is praised for his ability to structure ‘nuanced, complex and productive deals across biotech’.

Praised for its ‘meticulous attention to detail’, Arnold & Porter is noted on the market for its strength in regulatory and life sciences product liability mandates and is additionally well-placed to handle patent litigation, transactional and cannabis investment work. Practice head Adela Williams  possesses extensive experience in providing regulatory advice for clinical trials, marketing authorisations, and medical devices across the UK and the EU, and frequently acts in product liability disputes. Jacqueline Mulryne advises on borderline classification, market access strategy and cross-border regulatory compliance mandates. Beatriz San Martin often appears before the CJEU and domestic courts in IP disputes and is well-versed in issues connected with synthetic biology, digital health and cell and gene therapies. Ewan Townsend's transaction-focused practice is valued by a range of biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Litigator and regulatory lawyer Eleri Williams and product liability expert Ian Dodds-Smith are further names to note.

‘The ‘skilled, multi-faceted and solution-orientated’ team at Baker McKenzie pulls together a strong offering combining transactional and regulatory expertise across the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Phelim O’Doherty heads up the team and is geared to handle work such as cross-border M&A, joint ventures and licensing arrangements. Jane Hobson’s transactional expertise is relied upon by the likes of Galapagos,among others. Joanna Ludlam has a proven track record in leading complex investigations and is praised for her ‘dedication to accuracy’. Industry code compliance and digital health applications are core areas of activity for Julia Gillert, while Alexander Gee is active across a range of transactional work and is noted for his ‘deep knowledge and experience’. Hiroshi Sheraton has left the firm.

Data protection and cyber matters, financing for acquisitions and high-profile appeals of decisions made by the Competition and Markets Authority stand out as areas of activity for the team at Clifford Chance LLP. Stephen Reese and Gareth Camp jointly oversee the practice. Reese is equipped to advise clients on the UK and EU regulatory aspects of pharmaceuticals biologics and medical devices and their interplay with IP strategy, while Camp is frequently tasked with leading life sciences and healthcare transactions. Corporate compliance and investigations partner Luke Tolaini‘s practice extends to crisis management and ethical and compliance failings.  Alex Walker focuses his practice on advising clients on the protection, exploitation, use and enforcement of their IP rights.

CMS is praised for its ‘international capabilities and ‘broad range of expertise’ which encompasses commercial, regulatory, patent litigation and corporate work. Patent expert Robert Stephen leads the practice alongside Sarah Hanson and investment and development transactions specialist Candice Blackwood. Hanson excels in commercial, IP and outsourcing transactions. Shuna Mason is frequently sought out by medical device manufacturers for assistance with product liability mandates, while Brian Sher is a key contact for competition matters in the healthcare space. Glasgow-based Carina Healy ‘s commercial and IP expertise has made her a key contact for academic and research institutions on their research, licensing and commercial needs, and Healy’s Glasgow colleague David Dennis excels in clinical trial and collaboration agreements. Fionnuala Rice further augments the group’s patent litigation strength.

The team at Cooley (UK) LLP is jointly overseen by John Wilkinson, known for his prowess in handling large-scale alliances and joint ventures, and Nicola Maguire, who handles a range of IP and transactional issues such as high-profile collaborations and strategic investments. Transactional work is a mainstay of the practice with series investments and debt and equity financings notable areas of activity. Colm Murphy is geared to assist life sciences clients with their IP strategy, while Frances Stocks Allen excels in handling the IP aspects of major life sciences deals. Joe Sandys further extends the unit’s transactional expertise and frequently advises on licensing and M&A matters.

The likes of GlaxoSmithKline, Lundbeck and Neurim Pharmaceuticals turn to the team at Gowling WLG for assistance with issues spanning patent disputes, IP portfolio management, joint ventures, M&A, and commercial agreements. The unit is also active across digital health and well-placed to assist funders and operators of care homes and senior living facilities with a range of issues. Jenny Davies co-heads the practice alongside Robert Breedon, who divides his time between  Birmingham and London. Davies’ practice spans patent litigation and strategic collaborations, while Breedon frequently leads on large healthcare projects. Paul Inman has a proven track record in multi-jurisdictional patent litigation. Patrick Duxbury‘s varied caseload includes global collaborations and co-commercialisation deals. Huw Evans‘ busy portfolio of work includes patent entitlement cases in the French and Spanish Courts. Luke Kempton’s scientific expertise is particularly prized by Japanese companies seeking assistance with drug acquisition, collaboration and licensing deals. Mathilda Davidson specialises in transactional IP matters, while patent expert Christopher Freeth has notable experience with Arrow declarations.

Praised for its ability to see ‘the forest and the trees’, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP pulls together a strong offering that includes seed financing, patent protection, commercial disputes, M&A,  merger control and regulatory matters. Alan Montgomery co-leads the practice and is geared to handle a range of cross-border transactional work in the life sciences sector. Fellow co-leadChris Parker KC‘s contentious expertise is frequently relied upon by major pharmaceutical clients. The ‘client-friendly’ Sebastian Moore is a known name for co-ordinating patent litigation cases across Europe. Brussels-based Kyriakos Fountoukakos frequently advises life science sector clients on M&A transactions. Andrew Wells is well-placed to handle IP enforcement strategy. R&D-based pharmaceutical companies trust Jonathan Turnbull with a range of commercial mandates.

Praised for its ability to provide creative solutions tailored to bespoke situations, Linklaters LLP assists a litany of major pharmaceutical, biotech, digital health and medical device companies with work including transactions, patent and trade mark litigations and licensing disputes. Marly Didizian, described as ‘first choice for the tricky stuff’, co-heads the team and is noted on the market for her ability to handle high-profile pharma mergers and carve-outs. Fellow co-head Aisling Zarraga is equipped to handle matters spanning M&A, joint ventures and corporate governance advisory work. IP expert Yohan Liyanage assists clients with IP transactions and patent litigation. Trade mark and patent disputes are staples of Ian Karet‘s far-reaching practice. Katie Coltart has a proven track record in coordinating cross-border patent litigation.

Known for its ability to handle regulatory issues relating to orphan drugs, cell and gene therapy products, and digital health tools, Sidley Austin LLP is additionally active across areas including product liability, cybersecurity, M&A, and collaborations and licencing. Maria Isabel Manley leads the life sciences team for Sidley's office in London and frequently brings her knowledge of EU and UK regulatory and competition law to bear when representing clients before regulatory authorities. Robert Darwin is a key contact for global life sciences and healthcare corporations looking to do transactions. James Wood is well-placed to handle M&A work in the sector. Solicitor advocate Chris Boyle, and Zina Chatzidimitriadou, who excels in market access strategy matters, are further recommended.

Key pillars for the ‘excellent’ team at Simmons & Simmons are transactional work, regulatory issues, patent litigation and product liability. The unit is additionally increasingly active in the digital health space with practice head Michael Gavey a key driver behind the firm’s strength in this area. Lydia Torne is well versed in the intricacies of life sciences IP transactions, and Michael Burdon   is highly experienced in the field of patent litigation. Scott Parker is hailed as ‘one of the more impressive UK litigators in life sciences’, while Emily Agnoli specialises in investigations for corporate crime and has a particular focus on the life sciences sector.

The ‘helpful, knowledgeable, and collaborative’ team at Taylor Wessing LLP  showcases a diverse range of expertise, particularly in venture capital transactions within the biotech sector, patent litigation and advisory work for growth companies. Alison Dennis co-leads the practice and frequently leverages her broad knowledge in IP, compliance and contractual issues to advise pharmaceutical clients and medical device manufacturers. Fellow co-head Andrew Edge has extensive experience in public and private mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and secondary offerings. Nigel Stoate excels in patent litigation and frequently co-ordinates multi-jurisdictional cases. In Cambridge, Ross McNaughton focuses on the biotech domain, primarily supporting clients with corporate advice and capital raising. His Cambridge colleague Adrian Toutoungi, with his particular experience in biologics and small-molecule therapeutics, advises on life science licensing mandates. Colin McCall also assists clients with licensing agreements and R&D projects, while Charlie Adams frequently brings his IP knowledge to bear on work with life sciences incubators and accelerators.

DAC Beachcroft LLP’s diverse team is renowned for its expertise in product liability cases and deep knowledge of both the NHS and private healthcare sectors. The unit is additionally well-placed to advise on the regulation of pharma and medical devices. The practice is led by the ‘fantastically good‘ Alison McAdams who has extensive experience advising on clinical trial claims. Medtech expert Hamza Drabu excels in commercial transactions in the NHS. Darryn Hale has a proven track record in matters that fall at the nexus between public and data protection law. Olya Melnitchouk is notably active across ophthalmic product liability claims.

Fieldfisher‘s team, renowned for its ‘deep understanding of the life science landscape in the UK‘  handles work spanning key stage funding for novel transactional funding for pharmaceutical products, regulatory assistance in areas of new technologies and M&A work in the life sciences space. ‘Very experienced operator’ Janita Good heads up the team and is equipped to assist clients with M&A exits and pharma IP partnering deals. Sarah Ellson is frequently called upon to assist with appeals against commercial decisions made by NICE. Vicky Reinhardt, dual qualified in Germany and England,  is well placed to assist life sciences clients with the commercial exploitation of products.

Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies as well as leading venture capital and investment firms turn to Goodwin for assistance with work spanning early stage financings, capital markets, M&A, dispute resolution and licensing transactions. Four partners lead the team: David Mardle, who divides his time between Cambridge and London, has a focus on assisting emerging companies with corporate and capital markets transactions. Graham Defries is a key contact for private equity and venture capital investments and exits. Sophie McGrath‘s corporate practice encompasses private and public financings, public offerings, and restructurings. Arvin Abraham, completing the leadership team, is frequently sought out by private equity sponsors for transactional assistance. Malcolm Bates‘ wide-ranging practice spans outsourcing and R&D projects, M&A transactions and IPOs.

Described as ‘one of the best teams in life sciences and healthcare in London’ Kirkland & Ellis International LLP advises a multitude of major life sciences companies on the global formulation and coordination of life science patent litigation strategy. Daniel Lim co-heads the practice and has a proven track record in pharmaceutical and medical device litigation. Fellow co-head Nicola Dagg is a known name for work including strategic patent and product lifecycle advice. Emma Flett completes the leadership team and is geared to advise on the of IP aspects of M&A transactions. SPC disputes relating to biologic and small molecule products are a practice strength of Steven Baldwin, while Jin Ooi works extensively on follow-on damages inquiry mandates.

Hailed as a ‘great firm to go to for big matters’, Latham & Watkins assembles a robust offering with M&A, carve-outs, and shareholder activism claims among the unit’s diverse workload. Robbie McLaren oversees matters and counts life sciences venture and growth capital investments among his practice strengths. Emily Cridland‘s experience includes acting for clients on both the buy- and sell-side of share sales. Jenna Gascoyne‘ is a popular choice for clients seeking assistance with capital markets transactions such as private placements. Samantha Peacock‘s far-reaching corporate practice extends to advising on investments and reorganisations.

Lauded for advice that ‘balances the risks and benefits of any given approach clearly’, McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP is active across regulatory matters such as medical device certifications and transactional work spanning M&A, IP transfers and growth capital investments. Sharon Lamb heads up the team and has a far-reaching practice spanning commercial, regulatory and transactional expertise. Hamid Yunis is a key contact for private equity transactions. Michal Berkner, who joined from Cooley (UK) LLP in February 2024, further bolsters the team’s transactional capacities and counts takeover defences, corporate governance, and joint ventures among her practice strengths. David Gibson and Bella North are further key names to note.

Powell Gilbert LLP has developed a market reputation for high-profile IP litigation and advisory work and is praised for its ‘unparalleled collective knowledge in the life sciences patent litigation field’. Penny Gilbert leads the team and has amassed considerable experience in UK and European patent litigation. Zoë Butler’s board practice extends to patent entitlement disputes. Bethan Hopewell frequently represents clients in technically complex proceedings concerning issues such as therapeutic nucleoside analogues. Tim Whitfield, who divides his practice between London and Dublin, is frequently called upon to co-ordinate multi-jurisdictional patent litigation campaigns.

Lincoln Tsang heads up a team at Ropes & Gray LLP whose offering spans transactional, regulatory, litigation and enforcement matters and is praised for its ‘unsurpassed knowledge of the laws and regulations covering the pharma and biotech industries.’ Tsang frequently brings his regulatory expertise to bear on internal investigations and public policy matters concerning the life sciences industry. David Dowling is active across venture capital investments and private M&A. Hannah Kerr-Peterson further extends the regulatory expertise at the firm.

The extensive team at Slaughter and May addresses a variety of contentious and non-contentious matters, including commercial agreements,  IP rights strategies and M&A. Duncan Blaikie and Claire Jackson jointly oversee matters. Blaikie frequently guides clients through the complexities of licensing, collaboration,  and research and development agreements, while Jackson handles transactional demergers, joint ventures and inter-conditional asset swaps. IP licensing arrangements are a practice strength of Laura Houston.

Stephenson Harwood‘s team is skilled in addressing a range of issues for clients, including strategic collaborations, funding rounds, and life sciences M&A. The unit is led by the ‘commercially astute’ Alexandra Pygall, whose practice spans partnering agreements and IP disputes linked to partnering deals. Dan Holland has deep knowledge of clinical and commercial supply agreements. Anthony Clare is equipped to handle public and private life sciences M&A. Early-stage research, collaboration and licensing agreements are key practice strengths of Naomi Leach.

EPO opposition, strategic prosecution, and patent and SPC litigation are core pillars of the ‘very strong’ team at Carpmaels & Ransford LLP. David Wilson leads the firm’s dispute resolution team and has a proven track record in negotiating high-value licenses and settlement agreements. James Warner is noted for his adept handling of multi-opponent EPO opposition proceedings. IP transactions specialist Jake Marshall is singled out for his expertise in commercial agreements. Camilla Balleny frequently brings her contentious IP experience to bear on SPC and divisional filing strategies.

The broad offering at DLA Piper spans expertise across regulatory, transactions, product liability and patent litigation. Birmingham-based practice head Richard Taylor assists clients ranging from multinationals to public bodies on issues such as IP licensing and procurement. Also in Birmingham, Ryan Harrison excels in advising on cross-border commercial agreements. Mark Dewar’s expertise extends to advising on risk across supply chains. In Leeds, IP and commercial law specialist Kate Black is further recommended.

Medical device regulation, high-profile collaborations and strategic investments are among the areas in which the life sciences team at Hill Dickinson LLP operate. Praised for his ‘outstanding service’, practice co-chair Michael Corcoran is well versed in the alternative proteins sector. Fellow co-head Jamie Foster is expert at guiding healthtech and biotech start-ups through commercial and regulatory frameworks. Corporate healthcare specialist Monica Macheng joined in May 2023 from Bevan Brittan LLP.

Clients ranging from start-ups and universities to the likes of Gilead and AstraZeneca turn to the patent prosecution team at Marks & Clerk for assistance with work such as patent revocation actions, patent portfolio due diligence and EPO opposition matters. Mike Gilbert heads up the team alongside Will Nieuwenhuys. Gilbert's practice combines high-profile patent litigation and matters concerning Supplementary Protection Certificates, while Nieuwenhuys is known for his expertise in small molecule organic and pharmaceutical chemistry. Charlie Balme is equipped to handle litigation, arbitration and commercial IP matters connected to medical devices.

 

Global licence agreements, collaboration agreements and fundraising mandates are among the areas of activity for the Cambridge-based life sciences team at Mills & Reeve LLP.  James Fry heads the practice and has expertise in intellectual property licensing work and regulatory issues such as clinical trials. His Cambridge colleague Kevin Calder's practice centres on commercial contracts and procurement. Research and development agreements fall within the purview of Stephanie Caird's practice. Isabel Teare is a further name to note.

With expertise across sectors spanning pharmaceutical, medical devices and crop sciences, Mishcon de Reya LLP provides both contentious and non-contentious assistance for clients ranging from emerging companies to multinationals. Patrick Farrant leads the life sciences group and frequently advises on mandates such as IP licences, R&D agreements and spin-outs. IP disputes specialist David Rose is geared to handle trade mark and patent cases in the UK and across Europe. Gayle Curry, who joined the team following the firm’s January 2023 merger with Taylor Vinters, is notably strong on matters connected to digital health.

Transactional, regulatory and competition work are three key strata running through the life sciences offering at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP. Allison Soilihi co-heads the team and is well-placed to handle corporate life sciences work such as private equity transactions. Merger clearances and licensing mandates are firmly in the wheelhouse of fellow co-head Omar Shah. Paul Ranson‘s practice straddles commercial and regulatory matters, while Frances Murphy is an authority on EU and UK competition matters.

The medical and life sciences team at RPC  is known for its strength in product liability work, pre-marketing approval mandates and commercial and injury disputes arising from clinical trials. Described as a ‘doyenne of the field’,  Dorothy Flower leads the practice. She is praised for her experience in dealing with ‘medical devices and all aspects of cosmetic surgery’. Florence Page and Emma Kislingbury provide key support to Flower.

Andrew Wilkinson leads a life sciences team at Squire Patton Boggs that is praised for its ‘strong track record of legal advice that can be applied and implemented’, and assists pharmaceutical and medical device suppliers with a range of regulatory and commercial issues, notably focusing on market access issues following on from Brexit. Jon Lent heads up the healthcare team alongside Mark Yeo. Healthcare providers turn to the unit for assistance in areas including corporate finance, employment and real estate.

 

The ‘highly efficient, professional and approachable’ team at Stevens & Bolton LLP assists clients such as pharmaceutical and biotech companies; digital health providers; and life sciences sector trade bodies, with a slew of transactional, regulatory and IP-related work. Charlotte Tillett heads up the Guildford-based team and is active across a range of contentious and advisory IP-related matters including IP licensing and trade mark disputes. Gustaf Duhs is singled out for his in-depth knowledge of public law and governmental issues, while Michael Frisby has amassed considerable experience in leading and coordinating cross-border disputes.

White & Case LLP  is known for its ability to handle healthcare and life sciences transactions in the UK and further afield. Mike Weir is the key contact in London. He is frequently sought out by private equity houses for assistance with  work such as cross-border M&A and corporate reorganisation. Additional key contacts at the firm include Ross Allardice, who frequently guides clients through funding rounds, and Lucy Bullock, who bolsters the private equity expertise at the firm and is equipped to advise sponsor-held portfolio companies on a range of transactional work.