Life Sciences: Transactional
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 20 3088 0000Chambers Review
Allen & Overy has magic circle corporate resources combined with a deep commitment to the life sciences sector. The team has one of the most formidable patent litigation practices in the UK and Europe, and has recently taken cases before the Supreme Court. It advises on many of the most significant transactions of the day, and the firm draws on its international footprint to handle work in multiple jurisdictions including emerging markets.
Work Highlights
- Allen & Overy represented Exscientia on its $674 million AI drug discovery collaboration with Merck KGaA.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I'm always pleased at the depth of the team's insights accompanying their advice, which really is key in this industry."
"We can always rely on their expertise to handle sophisticated and complex matters. They have a great team with a lot of life sciences experience across the board."
"Their advice on the AI field is very comprehensive and also pragmatic. It is very helpful that the team has attorneys specialised in a wide variety of different legal practice areas."
"I'm always pleased at the depth of the team's insights accompanying their advice, which really is key in this industry."
"We can always rely on their expertise to handle sophisticated and complex matters. They have a great team with a lot of life sciences experience across the board."
"Their advice on the AI field is very comprehensive and also pragmatic. It is very helpful that the team has attorneys specialised in a wide variety of different legal practice areas."
Notable Practitioners
Marjan Noor is recognised as a highly skilled intellectual property litigator in the field of life sciences, receiving frequent instructions from market-leading clients. She also advises on the regulatory aspects of transactions in the sector.
"A fantastic IP lawyer. Marjan has the technical background and will immerse herself in the details."
"Marjan has lots of experience in strategy and litigation."
"Marjan is a very highly regarded lawyer."
Jim Ford is a highly respected contracts and rights assignment specialist with a focus on science and technology-based companies. He works for a range of clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors on complex licensing transactions and IP-driven corporate deals.
"Jim is easy to work with and has excellent industry knowledge and commercial judgement."
"An absolute pleasure to work with - Jim is a true professional and is able to adapt his style and output for different stakeholders. I appreciate his communication and timeliness."
Mark Ridgway is respected for his practice handling contentious matters for life sciences companies. He is particularly well known for issues relating to freedom to operate and all manner of patent-based disputes.
"A really good, solid lawyer."
Gemma Barrett is recommended for her technical skill and legal acumen with regard to patent litigation concerning pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
"Gemma has a lot of experience with UK markets, and often originators and follow-ons. She acts for both sides too, which is helpful experience to have."
"She's done international dispute work and is excellent, I really rate her."
Rafi Allos is a fast-emerging talent with notable litigation experience acting on behalf of pharmaceuticals and biotechs.
"Rafi is excellent and easy to work with. He's a diligent up-and-coming partner."
Ranked Lawyers at
A&O Shearman
UK-wide