WilmerHale’s client base encompasses biotech, pharma, diagnostic, and medical device companies, along with investors and academic institutions. The firm supports client growth by counseling on corporate and commercial transactions, with strong work in strategic collaborations and license agreements, as well as financing and M&A. With longstanding expertise in IP, the firm also serves as lead counsel on patent litigation cases. The practice is co-headed by Judith Hasko, who joined the Palo Alto office from Latham & Watkins LLP and advises on commercial transactions such as strategic alliances, joint ventures, and manufacturing and distribution agreements, and Boston-based Stuart Falber, who specializes in financing, M&A, and collaborations and licensing transactions. Jekkie Kim, also joining the Palo Alto team from Latham & Watkins LLP, focuses on joint ventures, strategic licensing and collaborations, and other complex commercial transactions.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Key clients
- Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.
- Beckton, Dickinson and Company
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Exelixis, Inc.
- Nuvalent, Inc.
- Braintree Laboratories
- Novo Nordisk
- AbbVie
- Terns Pharmaceuticals
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Work highlights
- Advised Voyager Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing neurogenetic medicines, in its $1.3 billion strategic collaboration and capsid license agreement with Novartis Pharma AG, a subsidiary of Novartis AG, to advance potential gene therapies for Huntington’s disease and spinal muscular atrophy.
- Advised Exelixis in connection with generic challenges to its blockbuster Cabometyx® product. Cabometyx® is an important oncology therapy approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and differentiated thyroid cancer, and its US sales are more than $1 billion annually.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Stuart Falber; Judith Hasko
Other key lawyers
Jekkie Kim; Sarah Hogan; Cynthia Mazareas; Rosemary Reilly; Brian Johnson; Lisa Pirozzolo; Emily Whelan; Jenna Ventorino