Cooley (UK) LLP’s ‘exceptional’ life sciences practice is a go-to for clients seeking advice on complex transactions and financing. Recognised for its cross-practice strength, the team draws on healthcare regulatory, IP, data privacy, antitrust, and tax specialists to support life sciences deals. The practice is led by Simon Amies, who advises companies and investors on cross-border M&A, IPOs, capital markets offerings, and VC financings. Frances Stocks Allen handles a range of cross-border transactions, including AI and data-heavy deals, while the ’superb’ Tom Goodman is recognised for his transactional and corporate advice to emerging life sciences and biotechnology companies. Russell Anderson, promoted to partner in January 2025, advises on M&A and VC transactions, while Jenny Davies, who joined from Gowling WLG in the same month, brings expertise in licensing and collaboration deals, as well as patent counselling and prosecution. Nicola Maguire and John Wilkinson are no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Exceptional team.’
'Cooley has the breadth and depth of a team that enables them to provide high-quality advice on any matter in just about any country in the world. It is not only high-quality legal advice, but they also help companies/teams achieve the best business outcomes in an increasingly challenging environment. And they are nice people to work with!'
'The team has deep sector expertise and truly understands the unique challenges facing biotech and pharma companies at every stage of the innovation cycle - they can actually be viewed as a strategic partner in this sense. Cooley works exceptionally well cross-functionally across practice areas with corporate, IP and regulatory, allowing them to provide coordinated counsel without the typical silos found at other firms. The Cooley team always operates with a sense of urgency that life sciences companies require, understanding that timing can make or break a product launch or funding round.'
'Tom Goodman acts as my company's corporate counsel. He provides great advice and guidance to the board and is a great thought partner in helping to address challenges and opportunities. Chris Stack provides great advice on employment matters. Not only does he help us navigate the legal challenges we have faced, but provides great tactical guidance as we address sensitive situations. Ellen Dewhurst is a very hard-working associate who has provided great support through financings and transactions.'
‘Tom Goodman is a superb young partner. He is always available, connects me with the best people in the firm and is honest when they aren't the right people to support us on specific challenges.’
'We work closely with Ken Krisko and Stephanie Palmer, who both exemplify what makes Cooley's life sciences practice top-tier. They operate with unmatched responsiveness, able to turn around complex analyses, draft sophisticated agreements and provide strategic guidance within tight timeframes - this has been invaluable to our company. They are both able to anticipate challenges and opportunities before they become critical, which is supported by their understanding of the market dynamics and practical realities of the development and commercialisation of advanced therapies. I would like to thank Stephanie for her dedication and commitment in every interaction - over evenings and weekends - giving us the confidence that critical matters are in capable hands, regardless of time pressures.'
Key clients
- Ilumina
- Allergy Therapeutics plc
- Medicxi III LP
- Ochre Bio
- EsoBiotec
- AviadoBio
- Mestag Therapeutics
- Adcendo ApS
- Autolus
- Novo Holdings A/S
- Eisbach Bio
- Immunocore
Work highlights
Advising Illumina on its defence of European patent 3456844 (in the name of Verinata Health, Inc.) in opposition and subsequent appeal proceedings.
Advising Allergy Therapeutics plc on a £40m secured senior loan facility with Hayfin Healthcare Opportunities, a fund advised by Hayfin Capital Management LLP, a leading alternative asset management firm.
Advised lead investors Medicxi III LP and Medicxi Co-Invest III LP in an investment in T-Cypher Bio together with Lifearc, OxSciences, Vox Health Fund LP, G.K. Goh Ventures Pte Limited, and The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Simon Amies
Other key lawyers
Frances Stocks Allen; Tom Goodman; Russell Anderson; Jenny Davies; Joe Sandys