Bell Boyd Opens San Diego Office: Prominent San Diego Corporate Attorneys and Biotechnology Patent Professionals Join Firm

Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP has expanded its corporate, venture capital and intellectual property practices with the opening of a San Diego office that will serve as the center for the law firm's Life Sciences Group. Opening today initially with thirteen attorneys and Ph.D.-credentialed technical specialists with substantial scientific and business backgrounds, the office will offer corporate, patent procurement and portfolio management services focusing on bio-pharma, venture-funded and emerging companies.

CHICAGO (Business Wire EON) February 13, 2008 -- Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP has expanded its corporate, venture capital and intellectual property practices with the opening of a San Diego office that will serve as the center for the law firm’s Life Sciences Group. Opening today initially with thirteen attorneys and Ph.D.-credentialed technical specialists with substantial scientific and business backgrounds, the office will offer corporate, patent procurement and portfolio management services focusing on bio-pharma, venture-funded and emerging companies.

Our lawyers counsel venture-funded and emerging companies nationwide, and, with the addition of this highly-credentialed team, we expect to make a significant impact in the San Diego market

Nationally prominent biotechnology patent attorney Dr. Stephanie L. Seidman joins Bell Boyd from Fish & Richardson P.C. and will head the San Diego Life Sciences Group. In this role, Dr. Seidman will continue to provide strategic counseling regarding development and commercialization of patent portfolios affecting the bio-pharma industry. David A. Fisher, who formerly managed San Diego’s Fisher Thurber LLP, will lead the corporate and emerging company practice in the office.

The combination will offer attorneys and technical specialists who have worked for life science companies, developing formulations and pharmaceuticals and bringing those products to market. The seven technical specialists joining with Dr. Seidman all have advanced degrees ranging from molecular biology to immunology, organic chemistry and biochemistry.

“With a San Diego office, we move forward with the strategic expansion of our life sciences practice,” said Bell Boyd’s managing partner, Nancy Bertoglio. “Our lawyers counsel venture-funded and emerging companies nationwide, and, with the addition of this highly-credentialed team, we expect to make a significant impact in the San Diego market,” she continued.

Dr. Seidman is internationally renowned for her work helping early stage, emerging and developing biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies secure patents for their technology. She is highly regarded by her clients for guiding their companies in developing patent portfolios that mirror their business strategies and goals. A scientist with advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in molecular biology and biochemistry and M.S. and B.S. degrees in chemistry and physics, she is often quoted on public policy and health issues, particularly involving patenting strategies. Dr. Seidman will address the 2008 BIO International Convention in San Diego.

In commenting on her move, Dr. Seidman said, “I have been impressed by Bell Boyd’s depth of scientific expertise, their experience with emerging companies and their commitment to the San Diego biotechnology community. The firm’s extensive range of services will provide an expanded base of resources for my clients, yet allow me to provide a high level of personalized service. This is exactly what my clients need.”

Dr. Seidman is noted for her efforts to mentor and train others in her fields of science and the law. She has repeatedly earned recognition as a nominee for the UCSD Athena Pinnacle Award that honors women who have made a significant impact on the San Diego life sciences community. In 2006, the San Diego Business Journal selected her as the recipient of their Women Who Mean Business Award.

Noted for his skill as a “deal maker,” Mr. Fisher has served as a trusted advisor and outside general counsel to established public and private companies, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. on corporate finance and governance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate and licensing issues. The Fisher Thurber group has been distinguished by their broad-based knowledge of the tax, securities and real estate aspects of growing and financing public and private companies. Many hold advanced degrees and professional licenses in the real estate and investment industries.

Bell Boyd’s San Diego office is located at the Gateway at Torrey Hills, 3580 Carmel Mountain Road in San Diego. Bell Boyd counsels venture-funded and emerging companies on all aspects of launching their businesses and bringing their products to market. From protecting innovation, to obtaining financing and navigating the regulatory hurdles, Bell Boyd intellectual property and corporate attorneys work with their clients through all stages of their life cycles. The firm also has offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.