Ranking tables
Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border) | Global
UK
Rankings overview for Departments
Band 1
Band 2
Band 3
- Baker McKenzie 6 Years Ranked
- Goodwin 5 Years Ranked
- Bristows LLP
- Cooley LLP
All Departments profiles
Band 1
1 A&O ShearmanLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 1 | 6 Years RankedA 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.
Driven by a combination of transactional strength and a regulatory focus, the firm`s deep commitment to the life sciences sector is primarily embodied by its highly capable IP practice. Cross-border work related to pharmaceuticals is varied, ranging from IP and patent litigation mandates to major corporate deals. Clients also highlight its strengths in data privacy.
1 Arnold & PorterLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 1 | 6 Years RankedArnold & 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.1 Bird & BirdLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 1 | 6 Years RankedWith a leading life sciences practice in London, the Bird & Bird team is consistently mentioned by clients for its impressive coverage of pharma-related litigation and regulatory advice, particularly across the EU, where the London team is known to combine efficiently with the law firm's strong EU-wide office network. London also acts as a key hub for coordinating transatlantic matters involving the USA, including IP litigation and transactions.1 Covington & Burling LLPLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 1 | 6 Years RankedCovington & Burling is a leading law firm globally for regulatory advice with a consistent focus on regulatory issues across all of its offices. The law firm assists clients worldwide with matters related to international trade and public policy, as well as with global compliance issues such as data protection, antitrust and competition regulation. Covington & Burling also has notable industry focus across its global platform, and its international work involves a range of transactions, joint ventures and contentious issues within its core areas, which include pharmaceuticals and healthcare products, food, technology and media.1 Hogan LovellsLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 1 | 6 Years RankedHogan Lovells is highly regarded for its work relating to the life sciences. It stands out for its strength in litigation areas, particularly in the IP and product liability space. The team represents an array of international clients, largely working for innovators in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices. Cross-border work tends to involve European jurisdictions, and the team often plays a vital coordinating role with the USA. The law firm is noted for its transatlantic capability, complemented by its FDA practice in Washington, DC.
Band 2
2 CMSLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 2 | 6 Years RankedCMS's life sciences practice supports multinational pharma clients across a broad spectrum of matters, with particular strength in regulatory work. The team also adeptly advises on cross-border transactional matters, patent litigation and enforcement and product liability issues. CMS frequently coordinates matters that are multi-jurisdictional in scope, liaising effectively with the law firm's specialists overseas.2 Pinsent MasonsLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 2 | 6 Years RankedPinsent Masons boasts highly-capable teams throughout the UK which bring considerable skill to a myriad of transactional and contentious areas. The law firm's sector-driven international expansion from London has seen it establish highly rated offices in jurisdictions including Spain, Germany, China and Singapore. Internationally recognised as a force in the construction space, Pinsent Masons’ UK offering also stands out for its handling of cross-border mandates arising from the technology, life sciences and energy sectors.
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.
2 Simmons & Simmons LLPLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 2 | 6 Years RankedA distinguished London-headquartered law firm with significant global reach throughout Europe and Asia, Simmons & Simmons provides an attractive offering to clients through its sector-focused international strategy, concentrating on financial services, asset management, technology and life sciences. The law firm regularly manages sophisticated multi-jurisdictional mandates from London across these areas of focus and works in conjunction with its other offices across Europe and Asia. It has developed a strong network of co-counsel from other jurisdictions to provide a seamless service for clients.2 Taylor Wessing LLPLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 2 | 6 Years RankedTaylor 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.
Band 3
3 Baker McKenzieLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 3 | 6 Years RankedBaker 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.3 GoodwinLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedGoodwin boasts an expanding life sciences offering in the UK from its bases in London and Cambridge. The team offers top-tier transactional expertise in M&A, licensing and securities matters relating to the pharmaceutical industry. Enhanced by its outstanding US practice, the law firm offers clients impressive transatlantic strength, as well as support in Europe and Asia.- Bristows LLPLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 3
- Cooley LLPLife Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)2025 | Band 3