CMS advises life sciences clients across corporate, commercial, IP and regulatory matters. The team is also experienced in medical device product liability litigation, as well as patent disputes, and related real estate and employment matters. The practice increasingly collaborates with the firm’s technology team on the application of AI to life sciences. The team is co-led by European and UK-qualified Robert Stephen, who focuses on IP protection and litigation of innovative technologies, and Candice Blackwood, who handles real estate development deals for life sciences and healthcare clients. Sarah Hanson specialises in commercial and IP transactions. Glasgow-based David Dennis is well-placed to advise on research, licensing and commercial matters. Fionnuala Rice handles patent litigation and regulatory matters across the product lifecycle. The team’s product liability capability was further strengthened by the arrival of Sarah Croft from Shook, Hardy & Bacon International LLP in January 2025. Shuna Mason, Niall McAlister, Toby Sears and Loretta Pugh are no longer at the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has huge experience of both regulatory compliance and litigation, in particular group litigation. Its great strength is its ability to provide a full service - offering real expertise in compliance issues but an equal amount of specialism in dealing with claims when they materialise. It is highly respected in the field. It has a fantastic pedigree - building on the experience of product liability bigwigs like Chris Hodges, Mark Tyler and Anthony Barton.'
- 'The mantle is now passing to a younger generation, including the fantastically hardworking senior associate Elizabeth-Anne Larsen. She has a Litigation background and is involved in a whole host of different types of life sciences and healthcare litigation.'
- 'It is really useful to have the cross-border support. When a matter that we were working on was most relevant to a regulator abroad, CMS was able to liaise with relevant local specialist lawyers to support.'
- 'Their specialist knowledge in the area is second to none. They are able to apply their specialist knowledge to your specific query and give you practical, commercial legal advice.'
Key clients
- Amber Therapeutics
- Alliance Pharma
- Eli Lilly
- Sanofi
- SNIPR Limited
- Edigene Inc
- The Wellcome Trust
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Nestle
- e-therapeutics
- Carlyle Group
- AstraZeneca
- Johnson & Johnson
- George Medicine
- Vygon
- Resolution Therapeutics
- University College London
- Astellas
- SCI Ventures
Work highlights
Advised Amber Therapeutics on its USD 100m Series A fundraising round.
Advised Alliance Pharma on its successful appeal to the CAT, following the CMA's enforcement decision in its investigation into the supply of prochlorperazine, a medication used for treating nausea.
Advised Eli Lilly on its landmark collaboration with the UK Government to tackle significant population health challenges, including exploring new models to better care for people living with obesity.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Robert Stephen; Candice Blackwood
Other key lawyers
Sarah Hanson; David Dennis; Fionnuala Rice; Sarah Croft; Elizabeth-Anne Larsen