The 16-strong Life Sciences team "have a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the sector" (Chambers UK 2013). It provides non-contentious, contentious, corporate and regulatory expertise to a global client base.

The team is led by former microbiologist and geneticist Patrick Duxbury. Clients "value highly his experience, current knowledge and understanding of the evolving transactions landscape" and "excellent emotional intelligence in negotiations" (Chambers 2013).

Many individuals have spent time in their careers as scientists - people like life sciences partner Dr Luke Kempton, with a PhD in biochemistry. Luke specialises in patent litigation, licensing, collaborations, manufacturing agreements and all aspects of pharmaceutical regulatory law.

The team also includes new partner Paul Inman, described as "a smart, focused lawyer who understands the pharma business and what clients need" in Legal 500 2012. He is an expert patent litigator who has led a number of high-profile, multi-jurisdictional life sciences patent cases and is "always a delight to work with" (Chambers UK 2013).

Guangzhou-based director Tom Carver is a further boost to the team's litigation credentials, having represented global clients at every level of the courts. With a degree in genetics, he specialises in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

The "excellent" (Legal 500 2012) team's typical work includes global patent infringement actions, cross-border licences and collaborations, M&A transactions and pan-European regulatory compliance while typical clients include some of the world's leading pharmaceutical giants as well as the latest biotech start-ups. Names on the client list include AstraZeneca, Astex Therapeutics, MedImmune, Eisai and the Medical Research Council. Most projects are international and the team works with life sciences specialists in selected firms across the world.

The team's corporate lawyers have extensive experience of acting for life sciences companies and their investors - see the work done by Ian Piggin. Demand for antitrust advice is met by Bernardine Adkins who is currently advising a number of life sciences clients on antitrust compliance issues, dawn raids and merger clearance.

Wragge & Co Life Sciences team is a member of the Association of The British Pharmaceutical Industry and the BioIndustry Association.

More on life sciences, contact Patrick Duxbury (patrick_duxbury@wragge.com).