McDermott Moves with San Diego into 21st Century Economy
Global law firm's new, expanded office to focus on region's world class technology and life sciences clients
SAN DIEGO (January 22, 2009) — The San Diego area remains well positioned for long-term economic growth with its world class technology and life sciences business sectors. Recognizing this strength, global law firm McDermott Will & Emery, a leader in counseling high tech clients worldwide, announces a new and expanded San Diego office to serve the region's most innovative and successful companies.
The new 25,000 square foot office with space for 40 attorneys, located at 11682 El Camino Real in San Diego, will enable McDermott to continue the long-term expansion of its highly regarded technology, intellectual property, emerging companies, corporate and life-sciences practices in Southern California and provide a strategic gateway to Europe and China.
McDermott's San Diego office will be led by John A. Hankins, member and co-vice chair of the Firm's Intellectual Property, Media & Technology Department.
"With the move to our new location, the Firm will increase its capacity to serve clients operating in the technology and life-sciences sectors," said Mr. Hankins, "These knowledge-based industries will likely play a key role in turning around the national economy. The intellectual assets developed by businesses in the region offer significant competitive advantages in the global marketplace. McDermott is committed to helping these companies achieve their full potential."
"In these difficult economic times companies are reviewing patent portfolios to determine how to leverage their assets," added Mr. Hankins. "We partner with companies to provide strategic business counseling and advice on how to structure their patent portfolios."
Peter N. Townshend, a member of the Firm's Corporate Department notes, "The San Diego area is not immune to the national economic downturn. However, some key sectors of the local economy, such as life sciences, are relatively resilient. Life sciences companies are tapping into their greatest strength—innovation—and are exploring strategies to weather the slowdown. Some companies are entering into partnerships, joint ventures, and cross-border deals that enable them to pool their resources more effectively. Others are exploiting innovative financing strategies. McDermott can help such companies implement these strategies while protecting their key intellectual property assets."
In addition, McDermott has signed a 10 year lease to occupy the 80,000 square feet office space recently held by Heller Ehrman at 275 Middlefield Road in Menlo Park, reflecting its commitment to the Silicon Valley market and to supporting clients in Northern California. The Firm's Silicon Valley office began with four lawyers more than 10 years ago, and now includes more than 60 lawyers.
McDermott's Intellectual Property, Media & Technology Department includes more than 200 lawyers and patent agents worldwide. The Firm is renowned for its trial and appellate experience, and is ranked as one of the strongest IP litigation firms for both plaintiffs and defendants. Its practice in procurement and licensing in the patent, trademark and copyright areas is recognized for its depth and breadth. The group provides client counseling and advice regarding trade secret, unfair competition, advertising, entertainment and computer law. More than 135 members of the team hold technical and/or scientific degrees and more than 95 are patent bar members. The Firm represents the interests of a broad range of clients, including companies in high technology such as semiconductors, biotechnology, software, electronics, chemical and pharmaceutical, as well as businesses in more traditional services, consumer products and manufacturing-related industries.
McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Numbering more than 1,100 lawyers, we have offices in Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Düsseldorf, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Munich, New York, Orange County, Rome, San Diego, Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. Extending our reach to Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai.
