Naomi Leach > Stephenson Harwood > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Noted for its ability to provide ‘great strategic advice’ and its determination ‘to leave no stone unturned’, Stephenson Harwood excels in multi-jurisdictional litigation, handling complex mandates for strong players in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Leading the team is Alexandra Pygall, who draws on her background in chemistry to provide technical advice to a litany of clients. Another name to note in the practice is Rob Jacob, who is highly experienced on the contentious front, as well as Naomi Leach, who strengthens the team’s transactional capabilities. Helen Conlan, who joined from Mishcon de Reya LLP in November 2023, principally focuses on patent litigation in the technology sector. Peter Dalton returned to Herbert Smith Freehills LLP in the same month.

Regarded as fielding a ‘stellar’ and ‘results oriented’ team, Stephenson Harwood leverages its extensive experience across the life sciences, consumer, and commodities industries to assist clients with a variety of complex licensing arrangements, cross-border litigation, and strategic IP issues. Alexandra Pygall leads the group, counting luxury brands among her key clients, while Rob Jacob is noted for his proficiencies in trade mark litigation. Naomi Leach is recommended for her ability to engage effectively with IP licensing and collaboration agreements. Other key contacts include Joshua Cunnington and Laura Elliott.

Stephenson Harwood is notable for its commercial contracts work in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors, balancing ‘commercial awareness with legal expertise‘. The team is overseen by Dan Holland, who is commended for his ‘strategic and commercial advice‘, and counts life sciences companies as key clients; in this sector, Bobbie Bickerton is key to the team’s work on product distribution agreements, while Kate Ackland is experienced in advising on outsourced manufacturing and supply agreements. Clients in the hospitality industry turn to Naomi Leach for advice on matters such as hotel management agreements.

Stephenson Harwood‘s team is skilled in addressing a range of issues for clients, including strategic collaborations, funding rounds, and life sciences M&A. The unit is led by the ‘commercially astute’ Alexandra Pygall, whose practice spans partnering agreements and IP disputes linked to partnering deals. Dan Holland has deep knowledge of clinical and commercial supply agreements. Anthony Clare is equipped to handle public and private life sciences M&A. Early-stage research, collaboration and licensing agreements are key practice strengths of Naomi Leach.