United States - California

Morgan Chu of Irell & Manella is “a real star with a sterling reputation” and is considered “the leader on the West Coast”. He is known for his patent litigation work in a wide range of technical matters including life sciences; sources confirm that he is “a top-notch litigator: very effective in court, with a great storytelling style”.

At Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, “superb litigator” Wayne Barsky is noted for his recent work in the pharmaceutical space. Clients include Johnson & Johnson and Merck-Serono. Lloyd Day of Howrey is “a major player” in California, with a broad IP litigation practice. The “deeply experienced” Gerald Dodson of Howrey LLP wins plaudits for his substantial litigation practice in complex technology cases. At Irell & Manella, Gary Frischling has experience in a wide range of life sciences litigation, including pharmaceutical and medical device work; he is praised for his “strategic-minded approach”. Saluted for his “encyclopaedic knowledge” of patent litigation, William Gaede co-chairs the life sciences and medical devices group at McDermott Will & Emery. He is commended for his experience in handling work for innovator pharmaceutical companies. At the same firm, David Gindler represents clients such as PDL Biopharma, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and City of Hope National Medical Center. Robert Goldman of Ropes & Gray is “a very strong litigator” with a solid portfolio of pharmaceutical cases. Elizabeth Howard of Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe is well recognised for her biotech cases; interviewees praise her “deep technical knowledge”. Founding partner John Keker of Keker & Van Nest is well known for his patent litigation experience, which includes life sciences cases in the pharmaceutical and medical devices fields. Rachel Krevans of Morrison & Foerster is an “incredibly thorough” patent litigator; interviewees are impressed by her attention to detail in life sciences cases. Co-chair of the Weil Gotshal & Manges litigation department, Matthew Powers is an “extremely capable litigator”, particularly noted for his work on biotechnology cases. Joseph Re maintains a broad practice at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear; he is a solid patent litigator with recent case highlights in the medical device field. In the Palo Alto office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the “very knowledgeable” Ronald Shulman is recognised for his experience in defending generic pharmaceutical companies. At the same firm is Patricia Thayer, a “terrific litigator” whose recent case highlights include biotechnology and medical device matters.