Life sciences

Name: Bristows
Price range: $$$

Our dedicated life sciences solicitors and patent litigators bring deep technical knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, physics, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and digital health. Recognised as one of the leading life sciences law firms, Bristows advises organisations of all sizes across the global life sciences industry.

Our life sciences expertise Life sciences insights Life sciences recordings Key contacts

“They have a very pragmatic yet detailed approach; they get to the point quickly and deliver advice that is easily shared and implemented with commercial colleagues.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“They have an excellent depth of knowledge and experience in both the law and the MedTech industry. They are always responsive and attentive.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“Bristows’s patents team isn’t governed by billing targets as others are, so they have the time to get to grips with the tech in a very deep way.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“They have an excellent depth of knowledge and experience in both the law and the MedTech industry. They are always responsive and attentive.”
Chambers and Partners UK 2026

“Excellent team with strength in depth in the life sciences and tech space. Strong market knowledge. Responsive and solution-focused.”
Legal 500 2026

How our life sciences lawyers can help

At Bristows, our dedicated team of over 90 life sciences solicitors and patent attorneys supports organisations across the global life sciences industry. Recognised as one of the UK’s leading life sciences law firms, we provide specialist advice on:

Intellectual property in life sciences, including patents, trademarks, and licensing

Regulatory matters such as approvals, labelling, and compliance

Competition and transactional law across mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations

Dispute resolution and life sciences patent litigation

Data protection and ESG in life sciences

Our lawyers combine deep legal expertise with strong technical backgrounds in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, biotechnology, physics, and engineering. This blend allows us to advise on cutting-edge innovations, from pharmaceuticals and biotech to medical devices, digital health, and nanotechnology.

We work with a broad client base that includes pharmaceutical companies, medtech innovators, biotech start-ups, specialist investors, universities, and government bodies. By drawing on diverse perspectives and a fully integrated practice, we provide clear, commercially focused advice that helps clients navigate today’s challenges while preparing for the future of life sciences.

Life Sciences: IP/Patent Litigation - Band 1

Life Sciences: Regulatory – Band 2

Life Sciences (Europe)

Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border) (UK)

Life Sciences: Transactional - Band 2

Life Sciences and Healthcare - Tier 1

Life Sciences: Transactional – Band 2

Life Sciences (Europe wide)

Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Sector (International & Cross-Border)

Life Sciences (Europe wide)

Areas of expertise in life sciences law

Explore how Bristows’ life sciences lawyers advise clients across some of the most innovative and fast-moving areas of the life sciences sector:

Cell & Gene Therapies

Advising on regulatory approvals, IP, and commercialisation challenges.

Devices & Healthtech

Advising on devices, instruments and equipment, health apps, healthcare data, software and technologies.

Digital
health

Supporting tech companies, pharma companies, medical device firms and public health bodies.

Life sciences regulatory

Advising on the development and commercialisation of medicinal products, devices, in vitro diagnostics and digital health technologies.

Pharma &
Biotech

Supporting the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Women's health
& innovation

Supporting companies and investors address the unmet needs in women's health.

Inquisitive Minds: Life sciences insights

Views on matters shaping life sciences

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View all life sciences insights

Life sciences recordings and publications:

Life sciences expert series

Session one:
Claire Phipps-Jones, Louisa Jacobs and Jamie Hatzel explore the science behind ADCs and radiopharmaceuticals, and examine the legal considerations relevant to these technologies.

Session two:
Louisa Jacobs, Erik Müürsepp and Katie Cambrook delve into the science behind oncolytic viruses and therapeutic cancer vaccines, exploring their mechanisms and applications, along with some legal considerations relevant to these technologies.

Session 1: ADCs and radiopharmaceuticals

Session two: Cancer vaccines and oncolytic viruses

Early-stage biotech companies

A three-part "Spotlight On" article series covering key legal points including corporate, employment, intellectual property and tax

Patents: Review of the Year

This publication attempts to summarise the most important decisions on a topic-by-topic basis.

Biotech Review of the Year

Now in its 12th year, this annual publication an overview of some of the recent key developments in the sector. We take a look at market trends and the issues critical to those in the biotech industry.

Life Sciences Summit 2023

Meet our life sciences lawyers

The depth of our expertise in the life sciences sector is matched by its breadth. Our team of specialist life sciences lawyers, and patent litigators works across regulatory, IP, transactional, and corporate matters to support clients at every stage of their journey.