Naomi Leach > Stephenson Harwood > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Counting big pharma and biotech clients in its roster, ‘excellent’ Stephenson Harwood fields a strong practice in the life sciences arena, alongside notable expertise in handling cross-border litigation. Its key areas of work include advising clients on complex licensing arrangements and other transactions, as well as any disputes that arise from these. Practice head Alexandra Pygall is praised by clients for her ability to provide ‘commercial advice’ as well as her ‘great knowledge of the law’. Naomi Leach is well-versed in complex IP licensing and collaboration agreements, and Rob Jacob’s extensive litigation experience is recommended, notably on a global scale and routinely involving cutting-edge issues. Peter Dalton joined the team in February 2023 from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

With demonstrable experience in cross-border litigation, Stephenson Harwood possesses a strong presence in the life sciences, retail and offshore sectors, advising on licensing arrangements and a variety of disputes. Practice head Alexandra Pygall oversees a growing life sciences practice, handling both contentious and transactional IP matters. Rob Jacob is vastly experienced in global trade mark litigation, while Naomi Leach assists clients when issues involving licensing and collaboration agreements are at stake. Peter Dalton joined the team in February 2023 from Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, bolstering the practice with a focus on technology disputes. Managing associate Joshua Cunnington and associate Laura Elliott are also key contacts in the group.

An already well-established presence in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sphere, Stephenson Harwood is consolidating its position through wider sector activity, including sponsorship, publishing and service agreements for Qatar Museums, luxury hotel and Michelin-star partnership agreements, and guiding City Sightseeing Limited through its franchise agreements with foreign jurisdictions. The team is under the leadership of Dan Holland, who is the key contact to pharmaceutical clients such as Oxford Biomedica – whom he advised on its new three-year Master Services & Development Agreement with AstraZeneca –  as well as energy and transport companies. Hospitality and leisure businesses seek Naomi Leach‘s assistance on distribution and supply agreements, while Katie Hewson has been in demand by multinational corporates for cross-border service arrangements. Managing associate Chloe Haywood has built up a wealth of expertise and experience supporting a broad range of the practice’s pharmaceutical matters alongside associate Bobbie Bickerton, who is also noted for her data protection proficiency.