Husch Blackwell is continuing its national expansion with the addition of three intellectual property attorneys, including partners Stephen Gardner and Kathy Lobel-Rice. They are supported by associate Trevor Foster, patent agent Kay Madison, and paralegal Karen Garcia. The group joins the firm’s Life Sciences industry team from Quarles & Brady, following more than 50 laterals who have joined Husch Blackwell this year.
“Life sciences is a major growth priority for our firm in the coming years. We’re harnessing the synergies between our nationally recognized healthcare and higher education practices to drive even greater client value,” said Curt Chase, partner and leader of Husch Blackwell’s Healthcare, Life Sciences, and Education industry group. “We’re excited to welcome Stephen, Kathy, and their talented team to the firm. Their deep experience meaningfully expands our capabilities and builds on the momentum of Kathleen Snyder’s arrival in our Boston office late last year.”
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Gardner has a thriving intellectual property transactions and patent prosecution practice, representing more than 20 universities and research institutions. He counsels companies as well as non-profit and governmental organizations throughout the innovation lifecycle: from setting up research collaborations, to navigating grant compliance and upstream obligations, through filing, prosecuting, and licensing patents and other IP.
Lobel-Rice is based in Denver and focuses her practice on global patent prosecution, patent portfolio management, freedom-to-operate assessments, non-infringement and invalidity assessments, licensing agreements, and due diligence reviews. A scientist herself, her practice centers on biotechnology and the chemical arts.
“The life sciences industry faces a myriad of challenges in a rapidly evolving environment said Bryan Stewart, partner and leader of Husch Blackwell’s life sciences team. “Our team brings together an interdisciplinary group from across the firm’s platform to help clients solve their toughest challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their strategic goals.”
“Joining Husch Blackwell gives our team the opportunity to expand what we do best within a national platform,” Gardner said. “The firm’s strength in areas like education, research compliance, FDA regulatory work, startup/investor services, and employment issues aligns with the needs of our clients and the future of our practice. We look forward to collaborating with Curt, Bryan, and the broader team to continue building a strong presence in the life sciences space.”