Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border) | Global

A premier international law firm with a highly-integrated network of global offices, A&O Shearman's London team is frequently identified as a standout choice to coordinate cross-border work. Offering a well-developed, full-service platform which offers consistent quality across numerous practice areas and sectors, the London office fulfils a significant role as the law firm's central hub within its diverse global network. The team advises on some of the biggest and most complex cross-border deals in the market. On 1st May 2024, Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling merged to form A&O Shearman.

Arnold & Porter's London practice holds a strong appeal within the industry due to its market-leading position in high-stakes product liability claims, and is frequently appointed to defend large corporations in the pharmaceutical industry in litigation relating to cross-border product recall and safety issues. London also acts as a key hub for regulatory issues, GDPR and privacy matters across the EU and frequently teams up with the law firm's US practice on global mandates, combining knowledge of FDA and EU regulation.

Bird & Bird has a highly-reputable global brand for its work in developing and regulated industries, and its practice has an appealing global industry focus on technology and life sciences. The London team's broad range of strengths and expertise across IP, data protection, M&A, venture capital and other key areas makes it ideally placed to act for growing and established companies involved in the development, manufacture and distribution of new technology products, pharmaceuticals and biosciences.

Covington & Burling has a well-developed and established presence in London which is highly capable of leading cross-border work. The London team is frequently called upon by clients to coordinate cross-border advice across the EMEA region and is known for closely integrating with the Brussels office on matters relating to EU regulation. It also collaborates with teams based in the USA and Asia. The team enjoys an excellent reputation for handling product liability and data privacy matters. It also advises both large and small life sciences companies on corporate and commercial transactions, including licence agreements, M&A deals and securities offerings. The team's dispute resolution group handles a variety of contentious matters in the life sciences sector.

Hogan Lovells represents international clients across its full-service offering, providing an excellent cross-border service for a range of contentious, transactional and regulatory work. The London team remains a central contributor to the law firm's worldwide success, and it is particularly revered for its expertise in international dispute resolution. The team frequently coordinates cross-border work and has particularly close ties to Hogan Lovells' European offices. They also effectively team up with colleagues in other key jurisdictions throughout the USA, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa.

Regarded as a highly-capable global practice, CMS provides a comprehensive service to international clients in areas such as M&A, dispute resolution, and banking and finance. The sector-oriented London team exhibits real strength advising clients from the energy, insurance, technology and life sciences spaces. Cross-border mandates are often coordinated from the UK, but the law firm also stands out for its excellent network of offices throughout continental Europe, which is strengthened by its presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Pinsent Masons' cross-border work relating to life sciences has a strong focus on IP litigation, utilising a sophisticated patent litigation practice, which is particularly popular with generics manufacturers. The law firm also houses a team of corporate and commercial lawyers that are deeply engaged in life sciences, advising on a range of areas including capital markets, M&A and trade. It demonstrates the ability to handle inbound and outbound mandates, working particularly closely with teams in the US and European jurisdictions.

Taylor Wessing has built an enviable reputation for handling international work related to regulated industries, and it is widely renowned for its focus on companies within the life sciences and technology space. London continues to act as the law firm's main global hub, serving a wide range of multinationals involved in pharmaceuticals or biotech, as well as investment funds with a focus on those sectors. Taylor Wessing's international appeal predominantly revolves around Europe, largely due to the strength of its teams in London and Germany and its strong capability for advising on IP issues and commercial contracts across its European platform. The law firm has also established offices in the USA and across Asia.

Baker McKenzie offers one of the most expansive and established international footprints in the legal industry, and its global reach is frequently referred to by multinational clients as one of its primary assets. The London office acts as an important hub of lawyers with international experience and expertise across multiple areas, offering a full-service scope. The law firm enjoys an excellent reputation for its international and cross-border capabilities and is often praised by clients for the smooth execution and collaboration they experience across the firm's network.

Goodwin is an impressive law firm in the international arena, which has bolstered its excellent reputation in the USA by expanding its global platform. Primarily highlighted for its appeal to growth companies and private equity investors with international businesses, the law firm's attractive combination of well-regarded experience in cross-border corporate M&A and buyout transactions is coupled with its strong industry focus and expertise related to the life sciences and new technology space.