Choate Hall & Stewart

Boston-based Choate Hall & Stewart is considered a go-to firm for non-contentious patent matters in the life sciences arena, including strategic portfolio management and prosecution. The firm's IP group offers a deep bench of attorneys who are notably well-versed in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical areas. "They are not only knowledgeable, but are responsive and problem solvers," a pharmaceutical client says.

Brenda Jarrell, a leader in the firm's life sciences and IP practice group, has an "excellent reputation for being very creative, a critical thinker," a peer says. Jarrell focuses her practice on IP protection, patent strategy, litigation counseling and post-grant proceedings. In 2017 she was recognized as the New England Patent Strategy & Management Attorney of the Year at the LMG Life Sciences Awards and is shortlisted in the same category in 2018. Charles Lyon heads the IP group alongside Jarrell, with an individual practice that blends patent counseling with business strategy. Recently elevated partner Rolando Medina provides expertise in technology transfers and patent prosecution, bolstered by advanced degrees in neuroscience.

While the firm is often recognized for its strength in non-contentious patent work, Choate's IP litigation practice is noteworthy, led by group co-chair Eric Marandett. He has experience handling Hatch-Waxman litigations for small molecule clients, as well as trade secrets disputes.