In the Managing IP article “Perfect Pivots? How Firms Manage Life Sciences Workflow,” partner Salima Merani, Ph.D., offered her perspective on how Knobbe Martens has developed a market-leading life sciences practice, including how the firm helps lawyers in the practice pivot between different technologies in the life sciences field.
Speaking to this point, Dr. Merani, who has been with Knobbe Martens for nearly 25 years and co-chairs the firm’s medical device practice, explained that deep and diverse experience among practitioners is an important asset to a successful life sciences practice, as it mirrors the realities of clients’ industries. “For example, a single client’s technology can involve medtech, plus biomarkers, plus drug delivery, plus artificial intelligence,” she said. “So, our professionals quickly adapt and excel in all of those areas. This, in turn, leads to them building a diverse skillset that allows them to excel in multiple fields.”
Speaking to the inherent variability of the life sciences field, Dr. Merani emphasized that the firm encourages its professionals—many of whom have technical backgrounds and hold advanced degrees—to gain experience outside of one specific practice area. “I have seen some wonderful prosecutors perform incredibly well on venture capital diligence and transactions,” she noted.
“Additionally,” Dr. Merani continued, “the firm’s robust life sciences litigation and transactional practices help even out any ebbs and flows in prosecution, and vice versa.”
Read the full Managing IP article here [subscription required].
Knobbe Martens is home to one of the largest life sciences practices in the country, and has been consistently ranked by Managing IP in the top tier nationally for Life Sciences IP work. Earlier this year, Dr. Merani spoke with Managing IP for another story about how Knobbe Martens’ holistic and value-driven approach to client service contributes to the firm’s successful patent prosecution practice.
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