Renowned for its proficiency in high-profile patent litigation and big-ticket transactions – including M&A, licensing and collaborations – A&O Shearman advises across the full spectrum of life sciences, supporting global pharmaceutical, growth-stage and consumer healthcare companies. The ‘professional, efficient and effective’ team also handles regulatory, antitrust, employment, and investigations matters. The practice is jointly led by Matthew Appleton, noted for his ‘innovative’ transaction structuring; Jim Ford, IP and commercial specialist at the forefront of AI and machine learning in drug development; and Marjan Noor, an expert in life sciences patents and regulatory law. Rafi Allos focuses on contentious patent matters and regulatory advice, while Megan McMellon combines expertise in cross-border IP transactions and commercial agreements. The team’s IP capabilities were strengthened by the arrival of Gemma Barrett from Bristows LLP in February 2024.

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies rely on Arnold & Porter‘s ‘precise knowledge’ of the life sciences sector for regulatory advice, litigation and investigations involving medical products and devices, clinical trials and digital health products. The firm is also well-placed to advise on transactions, ranging from M&A to partnerships and licensing, as well as on product liability claims and inquiries. The team is led by the ‘outstanding’ Adela Williams, who draws on her medical background to advise on regulations related to clinical trials, marketing authorisations, pharmacovigilance and advertising. Jackie Mulryne handles regulatory, policy and compliance advice, with a focus on digital health. Beatriz San Martin focuses on patents, SPC and other IP rights, while the ‘excellent’ Libby Amos-Stone and Eleri Abreo handle regulatory advice and litigation. Ewan Townsend, recognised for his sector knowledge, advises on commercial transactions relating to the development, exploitation, and commercialisation of medicinal products. Ian Dodds-Smith is no longer at the firm.

A specialist in life sciences and technology, Bristows LLP is well-equipped to deliver ‘pragmatic, risk-based advice’ to global pharma, biotech and medical device companies on regulatory matters and licensing, collaboration, and M&A transactions. Its dedicated IP litigation team is recognised for leveraging scientific knowledge to ‘tactical advantage’ in precedent-setting cases before UK and European courts. The ‘dedicated’ team is led by experienced patent litigator Liz Cohen and Richard Dickinson, who focuses on commercial transactions and IP advisory. Brian Cordery and Robert Burrows are renowned for their patent litigation experience, while Adrian Chew handles patent enforcement and validity matters. Alex Denoon is ‘extremely knowledgeable’ in regulatory matters, especially concerning disruptive technologies, while Xisca Borrás specialises in EU and UK life sciences law. The ‘outstanding’ Claire Smith advises on a range of life sciences transactions alongside Matthew Warren. Competition expert Robert Vidal arrived from Pinsent Masons LLP in January 2025. Gemma Barrett is no longer at the firm.

Covington & Burling LLP provides comprehensive advice to national and multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostic, and medical device companies across regulatory, transactional, and contentious matters. The firm’s regulatory expertise spans pricing and reimbursement, MHRA guidance, lifecycle management, and marketing authorisations. On the transactional side, the team is experienced in M&A, fundraising, strategic collaborations, and commercial contracts. The practice is led by Grant Castle, a go-to adviser for pharmaceutical and medical device regulations, representing clients in transactions, trade matters, and cases at both European and national levels. Sarah Cowlishaw is at the forefront of digital health, advising on regulatory, compliance, transactional, and commercial matters. Solicitor advocate Brian Kelly is well-placed to handle public and administrative proceedings, investigations, and representation before English and EU courts. Robin Blaney advises on the regulatory aspects of transactions, compliance, and legislative matters, while Winsome Cheung leverages her scientific background to counsel on strategic partnering arrangements.

Balancing contentious and non-contentious capability, the ‘fantastic’ healthcare and life sciences practice at Linklaters LLP advises pharma, medtech, medical devices, and healthcare companies on patent litigation and transactions spanning M&A, investments, collaborations, and licensing deals. The team is also well-versed in regulatory advisory and investigations, as well as product liability, antitrust and competition matters. The team is co-led by the ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Marly Didizian, praised for her vast experience and commercial approach to pharma supply chain and BD&L deals; Aisling Zarraga, an expert in strategic transactions; and Yohan Liyange, who specialises in IP disputes and transactions. The team’s IP expertise is further strengthened by the ‘experienced’ Ian Karet, and Katie Coltart, who focuses on biologics, biosimilars and medical devices.

Renowned for its expertise and creativity in patent advice, strategy, and litigation, Pinsent Masons LLP’s life sciences and healthcare team is equally recognised for its ‘excellence’ in transactional, regulatory, and product liability matters. The firm is well-equipped to advise on EU and UK competition issues, including merger control and antitrust investigations. The team is co-led by Charlotte Weekes, a seasoned litigator praised for her understanding of business needs and practical advice on pharma product strategies, including pan-EU patent and SPC litigation. Fellow co-chair Joanne Ellis specialises in healthcare private equity, M&A, investments, and refinancing. Allistair Booth brings vast experience handling high-value licensing, collaboration, and partnering transactions, while ‘proactive’ Catherine Drew provides regulatory and litigation advice to multinational pharma companies in the biosimilar and generic spaces. Robert Vidal and Clare Tunstall are no longer at the firm.

Simmons & Simmons advises global life sciences clients on the full range of contentious and non-contentious matters, handling regulatory advice regarding clinical trials, market access, investigations, and interactions with healthcare organisations. The firm is active in cross-border patent litigation, with Scott Parker leading multijurisdictional disputes for pharma and biotech companies, and product liability cases. The team also advises on high-value transactions, with a focus on international licensing and collaboration deals and M&A. Michael Gavey is a specialist in IP-focused transactions and disputes, as well as digital health, while Lydia Torne leads on IP transactions and regulatory compliance issues. Hayley Davis, who arrived in July 2024 from Goodwin, further strengthens the firm’s capacity in digital health and medtech. Kevin Mooney is no longer at the firm.

Praised for its ‘deep understanding of the industry’s specific challenges and regulatory landscape’, Baker McKenzie‘s life sciences practice is engaged by clients for its capabilities across regulatory, transactional, IP, public law, and compliance matters. Phelim O’Doherty, who leads the ‘commit[ted]’ team, and Jane Hobson both have a track record of handling intricate cross-border transactions for clients ranging from small biotech firms to multinational pharma companies. Julia Gillert is particularly well-placed to advise on regulatory strategies and compliance requirements, while Alexander Gee, who was promoted to partner in June 2025, handles transactions and corporate matters. Jaspreet Takhar is adept at advising on issues at the cutting edge of digital health and regulation. Hiroshi Sheraton and Joanna Ludlam are no longer at the firm.

Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare clients turn to Clifford Chance LLP’s healthcare and life sciences practice for support on complex transactions, including M&A, partnerships and licensing, regulatory compliance and IP matters. The team is also recognised for its proficient handling of complex disputes and regulatory investigations, including competition, antitrust and excessive pricing matters. The practice is co-led by Stephen Reese, a specialist in IP strategy, exploitation and enforcement, and Gareth Camp, who focuses on public bids, M&A, JVs, and restructurings. Noted for his experience in antitrust proceedings, Luke Tolaini frequently advises on corporate compliance and investigations. Ben Jasper and Nissim Massarano are respectively recognised for their antitrust enforcement and litigation work and expertise in EU and UK competition law.

CMS advises life sciences clients across corporate, commercial, IP and regulatory matters. The team is also experienced in medical device product liability litigation, as well as patent disputes, and related real estate and employment matters. The practice increasingly collaborates with the firm’s technology team on the application of AI to life sciences. The team is co-led by European and UK-qualified Robert Stephen, who focuses on IP protection and litigation of innovative technologies, and Sarah Hanson, who specialises in commercial and IP transactions. Glasgow-based David Dennis is well-placed to advise on research, licensing and commercial matters. Fionnuala Rice handles patent litigation and regulatory matters across the product lifecycle. The team’s product liability capability was further strengthened by the arrival of Sarah Croft from Shook, Hardy & Bacon International LLP in January 2025. Shuna Mason, Niall McAlister, Toby Sears and Loretta Pugh are no longer at the firm.

Cooley (UK) LLP’s ‘exceptional’ life sciences practice is a go-to for clients seeking advice on complex transactions and financing. Recognised for its cross-practice strength, the team draws on healthcare regulatory, IP, data privacy, antitrust, and tax specialists to support life sciences deals. The practice is led by Simon Amies, who advises companies and investors on cross-border M&A, IPOs, capital markets offerings, and VC financings. Frances Stocks Allen handles a range of cross-border transactions, including AI and data-heavy deals, while the ‘superb’ Tom Goodman is recognised for his transactional and corporate advice to emerging life sciences and biotechnology companies. Russell Anderson, promoted to partner in January 2025, advises on M&A and VC transactions, while Jenny Davies, who joined from Gowling WLG in the same month, brings expertise in licensing and collaboration deals, as well as patent counselling and prosecution. Nicola Maguire and John Wilkinson are no longer at the firm.

Gowling WLG‘s life sciences team is well-placed to advise global pharma companies on transactions, notably licensing and collaboration agreements, and complex patent litigation and strategy. The firm’s capabilities extend to health and social care transactions, acting for both providers and investors. Co-heading the practice are Patrick Duxbury, recognised for his IP transactional work, and Robert Breedon, who advises public and private clients on commercial healthcare projects and outsourcing contracts. Paul Inman and Huw Evans handle high-profile patent litigation, while Ian Piggin acts on M&A, investment and structuring matters in the sector. Samantha Myers, Jenny Davies and Matt Hervey are no longer with the firm.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP advises leading life sciences companies across the product lifecycle, with notable strength in patent litigation (particularly in generic and biosimilar challenges), commercial disputes and corporate M&A. Alan Montgomery, a ‘standout’ specialist in cross-border M&A, investment and commercial agreements, co-leads the practice alongside Chris Parker KC, who focuses on international arbitrations. Sebastian Moore is noted for his patent litigation capability, running cases in the UK and coordinating cases across Europe. Emily Bottle and Priyanka Madan handle contentious and non-contentious IP and regulatory matters, while Kyriakos Fountoukakos strengthens the firm’s competition offering.

Sidley Austin LLP advises national and international life sciences and healthcare clients, offering ‘broad expertise’ across transactions, financing, collaborations, licensing, and antitrust matters. The firm is recognised for its ‘unrivalled knowledge’ of regulatory issues, particularly pricing and reimbursement processes, IP rights and development in the orphan drugs, cell and gene therapies and digital health tools space. The ‘responsive and available’ team is led by Maria Isabel Manley, a leader in EU and UK regulatory and competition matters. Robert Darwin is noted for his ‘exceptional’ work across licensing, strategic collaborations, M&A, and private equity. Chris Boyle, promoted to partner in January 2025 and a specialist in animal health, is recognised for his expertise in regulatory life sciences issues and ‘flawless’ scientific knowledge, and Zina Chatzidimitriadou is praised for her ‘in-depth knowledge’ across all aspects of product lifecycle management in the UK and EU.

Taylor Wessing LLP leverages its ‘broad industry knowledge’ to advise European and US life sciences clients on patent disputes across biotech, pharma and medical devices, with ‘excellent UPC coordination’ capability. Co-practice head Alison Dennis leads the firm’s regulatory offering, ranging from medicine and device regulations to advertising, product safety, data protection, and competition. The firm also boasts transactional expertise, with co-head Andrew Edge being ‘highly trusted’ in M&A, IPOs, and private financing rounds. Nigel Stoate specialises in patent litigation and frequently coordinates multijurisdictional cases. Adrian Toutoungi and Charlie Adams are recognised for their ‘deep expertise’ in pharmaceutical licensing and development agreements, supporting clients across a range of business models and objectives.

Leading pharma, biotech, and medtech innovators regularly turn to Carpmaels & Ransford LLP for high-profile UK and pan-European patent litigation, UPC actions and SPC litigation. The firm similarly excels in patent prosecution, IP transactions, and EPO opposition. The team is jointly led by patent prosecution-specialist Hugh Goodfellow; Ian Kirby, who advises on multijurisdictional patent litigation and IP disputes; and Matthew Georgiou, who focuses on market exclusivity. Also serving as co-heads, Jake Marshall handles IP and tech transactions; Mark Chapman manages biotech patent portfolios; John Brunner focuses on tech and medical devices EPO opposition; and Roger Lush handles the full trademark lifecycle. Camilla Balleny is no longer at the firm.

DAC Beachcroft LLP has notable experience in pharmaceutical and medical product liability cases in the UK. Combining its public and private sector expertise, the firm also handles medicines and medical devices regulations and provides regulatory support in transaction due diligence. The team is led by Alison McAdams, ‘hugely experienced’ in high-profile litigation, with recent work on medical device safety and regulation, clinical trial claims, and enquiries. Health and medtech specialist Hamza Drabu is highly experienced in commercial transactions in the NHS. Olya Melnitchouk handles product liability, safety and regulatory advice, specialising in pharma group action litigation. Emily Broad and Andrew Johnston handle commercial matters for medtech and digital health companies and NHS organisations.

'Very knowledgeable, supportive and responsive', Fieldfisher‘s life sciences team is well placed to advise on funding and transactions for pharma product development and programmes, as well as regulatory matters concerning new technologies and development. The team is led by ‘industry veteran’ Janita Good, a transactional lawyer experienced in corporate and IP partnering deals, with specific expertise in complex structuring and M&A exits. Sarah Ellson draws on her public law experience to advise on regulatory and compliance matters, supporting market entrants navigating the regulatory landscape. Sarah Tedstone is an expert in health data privacy and compliance. John Linneker is no longer at the firm.

Recognised for its transactional strength, Goodwin is well-placed to advise companies and investors in life sciences and healthcare on financings, investments, M&A and joint ventures. The ‘seamless’ team is jointly led by David Mardle, who advises emerging companies on corporate and capital markets transactions; Graham Defries, who focuses on funding and collaboration transactions for biotech and pharma companies and investors; Sophie McGrath, experienced in a range of corporate matters at all stages of development; and ‘highly attentive’ Arvin Abraham, who specialises in PE, VC and strategic investments in medtech, medical devices, digital health and healthcare services. Maria Dragun, promoted to partner in October 2024, is noted for her attention to detail in cross-border transactions. Anna Humphrey joined from Orrick in January 2025, strengthening the team’s employee incentives sector expertise. Hayley Davis is no longer at the firm.

With notable strength in IP, clients frequently turn to Kirkland & Ellis International LLP for high-profile, multijurisdictional patent litigation involving small molecules, complex biologic products, medical devices, and diagnostics. The firm also advises investors and life sciences companies in technology and IP transactions, such as licensing and commercialisation agreements. The ‘exceptionally knowledgeable’ team is jointly led by ‘star litigator’ Nicola Dagg; Daniel Lim, who draws on his biochemistry background to advise on patent litigation and IP strategy; and Emma Flett, experienced in the full spectrum of IP-related work, particularly high-value M&A. Other key figures include litigator Jin Ooi, praised for ‘combin(ing) deep technical knowledge with strategic thinking’. Gabriella Bornstein is no longer at the firm.

With global strength in life sciences, Latham & Watkins frequently advises lenders and investors in financing and funding rounds. The firm also draws on its regulatory expertise to assist a range of life sciences and healthcare clients with commercial agreements, collaboration and licensing transactions, as well as UK and EU compliance and privacy matters. The practice is led by Robbie McLaren, who is highly experienced in cross-border M&A and venture and growth capital investments. Melanie Howard, who joined from Baker McKenzie LLP in September 2024, further strengthens the team’s M&A, securities law, financing structures, and global carve-outs offering. Samantha Peacock is trusted for corporate matters, including M&A, VC investments, and reorganisations.

'Responsive and able to cut through ambiguity', McDermott Will & Schulte advises on regulatory matters, including digital health and data protection, as well as on IP strategy, disputes, and transactions such as M&A, joint ventures, and collaborations. The practice is led by Sharon Lamb, praised for her ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’ of healthcare regulations and her work on commercial and transactional matters. Eleanor West advises corporate clients and private equity investors on cross-border M&A, investments, JVs, and restructurings. Jason Zemmel joined from CMS in January 2025, further bolstering the firm’s healthcare M&A and private equity capacity. Omar Shah joined the firm from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP in August 2025.

A leader in patent litigation, Powell Gilbert LLP frequently represents life sciences clients in complex, high-value cases across Europe, including before the UPC. The practice is also well-placed to handle IP advisory matters related to patents, trade marks, design rights, copyright, and confidential information. The practice is led by dual-qualified (England and Ireland) Penny Gilbert, an experienced pharma and biotech patent litigator and UPC representative. Bryce Matthewson and Peter Fitzpatrick, also litigators, were promoted to partners in 2024. Tim Powell is no longer at the firm.

The ‘knowledgeable’ and ‘pragmatic’ team at Stephenson Harwood advises a host of life sciences clients on corporate and commercial transactions, including VC investments, M&A, and collaboration and commercialisation arrangements. The practice is led by ‘top-tier’ Alexandra Pygall, noted for her experience in contentious and non-contentious IP matters, including transactions and litigation. Both recognised for their ‘expertise and commitment’ Dan Holland focuses on the manufacturing and distribution of cell and gene therapy products, while Naomi Leach handles transactional IP matters, including licensing and collaboration agreements. Kristian Shearsby guides both start-ups and listed life sciences companies through corporate and IP transactions, with a strong nexus to the US market. Corporate specialist Michelle Gomes was promoted to partner in May 2024.

Stevens & Bolton LLP‘s ‘highly trained and dedicated team' covers the full array of life sciences areas, with capabilities spanning transactional, regulatory, IP, and commercial cross-border matters. The Guildford-based team is led by Charlotte Tillett, recognised for her IP and transactional expertise. Gustaf Duhs is experienced in competition and regulatory matters. Beverley Flynn and Keith Syson handle M&A and commercial matters, while Catherine Penny is experienced in regulatory issues and international arbitration.

Hill Dickinson LLP offers both start-ups and established life sciences clients expertise on transactional and commercial matters, including licensing and collaborations, and contractual work, as well as regulatory advice. The team is also experienced in projects at the intersection of the private sector and the NHS. The practice is led by the ‘pragmatic’ Jamie Foster and ‘fantastic’ Michael Corcoran.

Marks & Clerk is well placed to advise pharmaceutical and medtech companies -- ranging from start-ups to global leaders -- and universities in patent litigation and prosecutions at the national and international level. The practice, which also advises on trade mark, designs, copyright and brand protection, is led by patent litigator Mike Gilbert, and Will Nieuwenhuys, who handles the full range of patent matters. Graham Burnett-Hall is no longer at the firm.

Mishcon de Reya LLP advises a range of pharma, medical devices, digital health and biotech clients in contentious and non-contentious matters, including fundraising, patent litigation, and strategic collaborations. IP specialist Patrick Farrant leads the team. Robert Griffiths joined from Deloitte LLP in July 2024, bringing experience in technology disputes. Gayle Curry is no longer at the firm.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP advises pharma and life sciences clients with ‘excellent expertise’ in IP disputes and strength across transactions, competition, regulatory and data protection matters. The dedicated team is led by IP expert Tim Powell, Powell Gilbert LLP co-founder, who joined in October 2024. Hiroshi Sheraton arrived from Baker McKenzie LLP in September 2024, adding further expertise in IP disputes, while Luciana Griebel joined from Covington & Burling LLP in the same month, bringing ‘industry knowledge’ and transactional experience. Omar Shah is no longer at the firm.