CMS

CMS advises life sciences clients across corporate, commercial, IP and regulatory matters. The team is also experienced in medical device product liability litigation, as well as patent disputes, and related real estate and employment matters. The practice increasingly collaborates with the firm’s technology team on the application of AI to life sciences. The team is co-led by European and UK-qualified Robert Stephen, who focuses on IP protection and litigation of innovative technologies, and Candice Blackwood, who handles real estate development deals for life sciences and healthcare clients. Sarah Hanson specialises in commercial and IP transactions. Glasgow-based David Dennis is well-placed to advise on research, licensing and commercial matters. Fionnuala Rice handles patent litigation and regulatory matters across the product lifecycle. The team’s product liability capability was further strengthened by the arrival of Sarah Croft from Shook, Hardy & Bacon International LLP in January 2025. Shuna Mason, Niall McAlister, Toby Sears and Loretta Pugh are no longer at the firm.