Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has a dominant West Coast practice with deep expertise in the financial and corporate space. A competitor considers the firm's venture capital practice to be on "a level of [its] own." The firm also focuses on licensing agreements and collaborations as well as corporate transactions for life sciences companies. A client praises the group's capabilities, saying it offers "very deep experience [in the] biotech industry, and tremendous deal experience as well."

Co-leader of the technology transactions department Ian Edvalson frequently counsels companies on licensing agreements and strategic collaborative transactions. Edvalson's practice is particularly focused on the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Kenneth Clark is a longstanding partner in the practice, with broad expertise in the financial area. "[He's been] doing this a long time," one peer says. Clark is experienced in handling licensing agreements and collaborations in addition to representing companies in financings and other corporate matters. San Francisco-based Robert Ishii is another deeply experienced member of the firm's financial and corporate team. According to a peer who frequently opposes Ishii, he is a "really strong" competitor, particularly in M&A.

Handling the firm's high volume of venture capital and corporate transactions are partners Dan Koeppen, Casey McGlynn, and Martin Walters, each especially experienced in IPOs and financings for emerging growth companies.

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is well known for its work in patent prosecution and portfolio strategy with a business-savvy focus. The firm has a strong presence in the Bay Area and has deep experience representing emerging and mid-size companies. This year Wilson Sonsini received a top ranking in Hatch-Waxman litigation for its practice representing generic pharmaceutical clients.

James Heslin is referred to as the "grandfather of the medical device world" by a peer, an area he has practiced in for more than two decades. He specializes in patent procurement, portfolio management, opinions, due diligence and licensing agreements, among other areas. Vern Norviel is head of the firm's patent counseling practice, and is one of Wilson Sonsini's top IP strategists. He advises life sciences clients in areas including diagnostics, therapeutics, nanotechnology and personalized medicine. In addition to his deep experience as a legal professional in private practice, he also has an in-house background as general counsel for a biotechnology company. Jeffrey Guise is a partner in the firm's San Diego office, where he offers clients services in patent procurement, licensing agreements and opinions.

Douglas Carsten was added to the firm's star roster this year for his work as one of Wilson Sonsini's involved Hatch-Waxman litigators. He notably represented Mylan in a high-profile suit against Allergan where he was successful in invalidating all patents covering the opponent's drug Restasis. This year he was shortlisted for the Generic Hatch-Waxman Litigator of the Year Award by LMG Life Sciences.