The 16-strong Life Sciences team "gets things done quickly, provides good value for money and works in partnership with clients" (Chambers UK 2011). 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, who is praised in Chambers 2011 for being "totally in command of his subject matter and has built a great team around him." Listed as a leading individual by Legal 500 2011, he is described as a "responsive, effective communicator."

Many individuals have spent time in their careers as scientists - people like life sciences partner Dr Luke Kempton, with a PhD in biochemistry, who is commended for his "scientific understanding" (Legal 500 2011). Luke specialises in patent litigation, licensing, collaborations, manufacturing agreements and all aspects of pharmaceutical regulatory law.

The team also includes new partner Paul Inman, an expert patent litigator who has led a number of high-profile, multi-jurisdictional life sciences patent cases. New 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 "top-notch" (Legal 500 2011) 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 are commended for their "industry knowledge and professionalism" (Legal 500 2011). They have extensive experience of acting for life sciences companies and their investors - see the work done by Kevin Jones and 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.

The team achieved a ranking for Client Service in Chambers 2011.

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