Cooley LLP

Cooley LLP is a leader across life sciences and healthcare transactions, with significant work in research, licensing and collaboration agreements, M&A, financing, and IPOs. The practice also works on IP strategic counseling and litigation, with San Diego’s Chad Shear leading the firm’s efforts on the latter in 2024. The firm has also led cross-border M&A, demonstrating its ability to work collaboratively across its global offices. The team is headed by Reston-based Christian Plaza and Boston’s Marc Recht, both vastly experienced in public and private transactions, including M&A, securities, and strategic partnerships and collaborations. Showcasing the firm’s strength in supporting partnering transactions, Palo Alto’s Kate Hillier and Lila Hope led the firm’s representation of SystImmune on the license and collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb, with a potential value of $8.4bn. Another key member of the team is Ken Krisko, based in Reston, who advises on a range of commercial and corporate finance matters. James Schneider returned to the Boston office in 2024, focusing on emerging companies and venture capital in the life science market.