Around the Firms

Biotech Group Leaves Heller for Fish

The San Diego office of Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe has lost its biotechnology patent group to Fish & Richardson. Under the leadership of partner Stephanie Seidman, the team comprises nine attorneys and 13 technical professionals. Fish & Richardson has also obtained Fred Hernandez and Dale Rieger, both of whom were Heller associates.

Seidman had expressed her feelings that Fish & Richardson, which concentrates on up-and-coming firms, is better suited to her practice.

Heller's office now has only eight biotech professionals; all non-attorneys. However, Managing Partner David Geerdes feels that the firm will not suffer from the group's exit, citing that in last year's first half, the number of attorneys increased more than 40%.

As for Fish and Richardson, the Boston-based firm now has 60 lawyers at its station. It is believed that the new group will strengthen the firm's regional status, as biotechnology remains one of San Diego's largest industries.

Greenberg Traurig Rainmaker Out

Controversy over fees charged to Native American tribes has forced Greenberg Traurig's biggest Washington, DC rainmaker and lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, to resign. Abramoff has close ties to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX).

The publisher of this newsletter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, financial, investment advisory or other professional services, and this publication is not meant to constitute legal, accounting, financial, investment advisory or other professional advice. If legal, financial, investment advisory or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

Biotech Group Leaves Heller for Fish

The San Diego office of Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe has lost its biotechnology patent group to Fish & Richardson. Under the leadership of partner Stephanie Seidman, the team comprises nine attorneys and 13 technical professionals. Fish & Richardson has also obtained Fred Hernandez and Dale Rieger, both of whom were Heller associates.

Seidman had expressed her feelings that Fish & Richardson, which concentrates on up-and-coming firms, is better suited to her practice.

Heller's office now has only eight biotech professionals; all non-attorneys. However, Managing Partner David Geerdes feels that the firm will not suffer from the group's exit, citing that in last year's first half, the number of attorneys increased more than 40%.

As for Fish and Richardson, the Boston-based firm now has 60 lawyers at its station. It is believed that the new group will strengthen the firm's regional status, as biotechnology remains one of San Diego's largest industries.

Greenberg Traurig Rainmaker Out

Controversy over fees charged to Native American tribes has forced Greenberg Traurig's biggest Washington, DC rainmaker and lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, to resign. Abramoff has close ties to House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX).

The publisher of this newsletter is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, financial, investment advisory or other professional services, and this publication is not meant to constitute legal, accounting, financial, investment advisory or other professional advice. If legal, financial, investment advisory or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.