AI Issue 8 2017

Acquisition International - 2017 Excellence Awards 119 Life Sciences Law (LSL) is a boutique law firm specializing on the needs of biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Its clients include some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech technologies. We invited Sheila Mikhail to tell us more about the firm and its recent achievements. SL is the only law firm located in the Research Triangle Park area that focuses exclusively on the life sciences sector. The team at LSL regularly counsel clients on how best to take advantage of scientific breakthroughs and business opportunities both in the United States and abroad. Its attorneys have participated in numerous public offerings, venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, technology transfer transactions, university spin outs and initial financing transactions. As a company, LSL have structured complex licensing, distribution, development and manufacturing agreements to allow its clients to meet their current and future business needs. Standing out from its competitors, LSL provide value added business advice and facilitate business introductions, identifying funding sources and creating business opportunities. The firm hire attorneys who boast a wealth of experience and arrive from broad business backgrounds, including experience in management consulting and CEO’s and founders of funded companies. Overall, the firm delivers high quality, innovative legal advice in a cost effective manner. Sheila describes to us how it feels to have received this award and what she believes are the reasons behind her and the firm’s success, as well as providing a brief overview of the services the company offers. “It is an honour to be recognized. The reasons for success are hard work, long hours, good colleagues, risk taking, and lots of coffee. The team at LSL provide legal support to transition technology from the labs into the clinic where they can transform into drugs that can help patients.” Regarding the firm’s aims and goals, Sheila outlines what steps the firm plans to take their reach its goals, whilst also revealing what marks the company out as the best possible option for clients. Company: Life Sciences Law, PLLC Contact: Sheila Mikhail Email: [email protected] Address; 870 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC 27514, USA Phone: 001 919 942 0251 Web: www.lifescilaw.com Best for Venture Capital Financing - Carolina L GE170041 Best for Venture Capital Financing - Carolina “Fundamentally, our mission is to provide cost efficient legal services on a timely basis, with an emphasis on niche expertise focused on drug development. Our focus on the life sciences sector allows us to better understand the needs of clients in this space.” Providing us with a brief overview of the industry, Sheila informs us that there are several pharmaceutical and biotech companies within the area, noting that this means the company is able to collaborate with others and build on the strong foundations set by academic research. “Research Triangle Park is home to several pharmaceutical and biotech companies. It is an example of a collaborative community with a strong foundation based on academic research at three leading institutions.” Within the fast paced market, every company must employ specific techniques in order to stay ahead of any emerging developments. Sheila tells us how the company and its staff are always learning, helped by the fact that employees are given regular opportunities to take on new responsibilities early in their careers. “Keeping up with any changes in the market, employees undertake extensive reading as well as attend seminars and share ideas with colleagues. The firm’s culture is team oriented, fast paced, client focused. Staff are given opportunities to take on new responsibilities early in their careers due to a relatively flat reporting structure.” Looking ahead to the future, Sheila explains that she has decided to retire from the practice of law, with the firm’s attorney taking on her old clients. LSL will continue to consolidate its already solid reputation within the legal industry, as it continues to adapt to other firms increasing in size. “Ultimately, I have decided to retire from the practice of law, and the firm’s clients will be distributed to the firm’s attorney. LSL will have to continue to consolidate itself within the legal industry, with firms increasing in size.” “Fundamentally, our mission is to provide cost efficient legal services on a timely basis, with an emphasis on niche expertise focused on drug development.”