Sophie McGrath > Goodwin > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Goodwin Offices

Goodwin
Sancroft, 10-15 Newgate Street
London
EC1A 7AZ
England
Visit website 020 7447 4200 020 7447 4201

Sophie McGrath

Sophie McGrath photo
+44 (0)20 7447 4821 [email protected]

Position

Partner

Career

Described by Chambers as “a superb corporate lawyer,” Sophie McGrath is a partner in Goodwin’s Life Sciences, Healthcare and Technology groups. Sophie has over 20 years’ experience focusing on transactions in the life sciences, healthcare and technology sectors, acting for companies at all stages of development, as well as investors and management teams. She advises on a wide range of corporate matters, including private and public financings, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and restructurings.

Sophie is a recommended lawyer for Chambers UK and Legal 500. She is described by Legal 500 as having “unbeatable knowledge and experience, especially in the life sciences and technology industries” and as “one of the best VC lawyers in the market”.

As the Co-Chair of Goodwin’s European Healthcare initiative, Sophie plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s strategic initiatives in this sector. Sophie collaborates with Goodwin attorneys across multiple disciplines such as corporate, commercial, intellectual property, private equity and regulatory to ensure that the firm’s European Healthcare clients are receiving cutting edge legal advice on the distinct challenges and opportunities within the European healthcare sector. With a sharp focus on emerging legal trends, Sophie has a particular interest in the growth of private equity investments within the Life Sciences and Healthcare sectors and works closely with her colleagues in the Private Equity team to provide clients with invaluable insights and strategic legal counsel on these transactions.

Sophie is one of the leaders of Goodwin’s Women’s Health and Wellness Initiative and is heavily involved in supporting entrepreneurs, companies and investors dedicated to advancing innovation in the field of women’s health and wellness. Sophie is also passionate about promoting and supporting women in the Life Sciences, Healthcare and Technology sectors, representing an impressive portfolio of women led companies such as Micrographia, Dunad, Aavantgarde and Jeito, the first women led life sciences focused venture capital fund. Sophie leads various initiatives and events at Goodwin focusing on women, including its annual Women in Life Sciences networking event and its Female Founders Dinner.

Sophie was the recipient of the Collaborative Leadership Award at the 2024 Women, Influence & Power in Law (WIPL) UK Awards. Sophie has also been shortlisted as Legal Advisor of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Education

Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test, 2003, College of Law London

Graduate Diploma in Law, 1999, College of Law, Sydney

Bachelors in Commerce and Laws, 1998, University of Sydney

Lawyer Rankings

London > Industry focus > Life sciences and healthcare

Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies as well as leading venture capital and investment firms turn to Goodwin for assistance with work spanning early stage financings, capital markets, M&A, dispute resolution and licensing transactions. Four partners lead the team: David Mardle, who divides his time between Cambridge and London, has a focus on assisting emerging companies with corporate and capital markets transactions. Graham Defries is a key contact for private equity and venture capital investments and exits. Sophie McGrath‘s corporate practice encompasses private and public financings, public offerings, and restructurings. Arvin Abraham, completing the leadership team, is frequently sought out by private equity sponsors for transactional assistance. Malcolm Bates‘ wide-ranging practice spans outsourcing and R&D projects, M&A transactions and IPOs.

London > Corporate and commercial > Venture capital

(Leading partners)

Sophie McGrath – Goodwin

Representing a host of start-ups, emerging growth companies, and late-stage mature corporates, the Goodwin team leverages its ‘strong market knowledge’ to advise on high-value fundraisings and seed rounds. The practice boasts in-depth expertise across healthcare, AI, and environmental matters, often working closely with the firm’s private equity division to support clients in growth equity transactions and complex exits. The team is chaired by David Mardle, an expert in capital markets transactions. Sophie McGrath utilises her ‘vast dealmaking experience’ in private and public financings. Both Andrew Davis and Andrew Harrow primarily focus on joint ventures and growth capital financings. Based in Cambridge, Elizabeth Rhodes and Adam Thatcher are noted for their M&A expertise. Other key figures include Kenny Walker-Durrant, who regularly acts for venture capital investors, as well as Richard Bloomfield and Ella Donegan. Ali Ramadan left to join Cooley (UK) LLP in September 2024.

Lawyer Rankings

Top Tier Firm Rankings

Firm Rankings