Marc Rubenstein > Ropes & Gray LLP > Boston, United States > Lawyer Profile

Ropes & Gray LLP is particularly well versed in handling complex cross-border licensing agreements, and is also a name to note for transactions in the life sciences space. Additionally, the practice offers extensive expertise across a wide range of litigation, representing clients facing IP disputes and product liability class action, and is able to support clients seeking FDA approval for their products. The practice is headed jointly by transactional specialists Marc Rubenstein and Michael Beauvais, both of whom are based in Boston and maintain a broad transaction practice encompassing IPOs, licensing agreements and M&As in the sector, and Washington DC’s Gregory Levine, who focuses predominantly on assisting pharmaceutical, biotech and medical devices clients in navigating the FDA’s regulatory regime. Kellie Combs, also operating out of the capital, is noted for her knowledge of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act, FDA promotional rules and the regulation of digital health systems.

Ropes & Gray LLP is noted for its ability to advise on IP transactions and licensing, structure the IP and technology aspects of major strategic and private equity-backed M&A, and handle strategic patent and trademark portfolio management. The team further stands out for its strength in handling the sale and financing of royalty interests and IP litigation. The intellectual property transactions practice is led by Melissa Rones in Boston and Megan Baca in Silicon Valley. Frequently advising various life science companies, David McIntosh and Marc Rubenstein are key names in Boston. Also based in Boston and advising clients across the life sciences and biotech sectors are Abigail Gregor, Hannah England, Amanda Austin, and Regina Sam Penti. New York’s Jordan Altman joined the team from Shearman & Sterling LLP in April 2023. In July 2023, Violetta Kokolus  left the team.

Ropes & Gray LLP is notably active in the life sciences sector, working with clients such as TRexBio, Abata Therapeutics, and Pfizer Ventures. The firm is experienced in guiding emerging companies and investors through the complexities of early, growth, and late-stage venture financings. The group is also able to support clients with complex regulatory and compliance challenges and advised IDRx on securing license agreements as part of a $122m Series A financing. The practice is co-led by Bradford Flint and Marc Rubenstein from Boston, who specialize in serving biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device clients on formations, intellectual property licensings, and devising exit strategies. In San Francisco, Melissa Bender spearheads the firm’s crypto blockchain task force and offers her expertise to both US and international institutional investors.