Mills & Reeve boosts life sciences team with high-profile hire

James has focussed on life sciences work for many years, building on his experience over more than 20 years advising on IP and related commercial contract issues. He has experience across all areas of supporting life sciences clients, both on non-contentious and contentious matters, IP strategy as well as strategic contract and compliance work. James also has significant experience of leading high-profile matters for his life sciences clients; he regularly acts for pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, specialist service providers and research organisations. 

As a partner at Eversheds Sutherland James was responsible for supporting life sciences clients and acting on related matters in the commercial, healthcare and education sectors, and James was the youngest ever senior office partner appointed by Eversheds in the UK. 

James has been rated as a leading lawyer in the main UK legal directories for many years. Chambers and Partners UK says that James has a strong reputation with a source stating: "He is pragmatic, great on detail and very knowledgeable." 

James joins the firm’s rapidly growing national life sciences practice, and follows the recent appointment of intellectual property specialist partner Mark Pearce and life sciences associate Faith Ayuko. 

Kevin Calder, who leads the firm’s technology and life sciences sector, said: “Delivering legal support to life sciences clients is a huge growth area for Mills & Reeve. We are delighted to welcome James to lead our life sciences team. He is the perfect fit for us, bringing vast sector experience and international expertise, to further enhance what we can offer our clients.”