Fenwick’s new Boston office is more than a geographic expansion, it’s a reflection of our deep commitment to the life sciences and biotechnology ecosystem that continues to thrive in one of the world’s most innovative regions.
At the helm of this new chapter are Matthew Pavao, Chen Chen, and Heidi Erlacher, three attorneys with decades of collective experience guiding biotech companies through complex intellectual property, transactional, and regulatory challenges. Each brings a unique scientific background and legal acumen that perfectly complements Fenwick’s full-service approach to life sciences.
We sat down with them to learn more about their practice, why they joined Fenwick, and what they’re most excited about as they help shape the firm’s presence in Boston.
What types of clients do you typically work with, and what are some of the challenges they’re navigating right now?
- Matthew Pavao: I support a wide range of life sciences companies at all stages, from early-stage and mid-stage private companies to publicly traded biopharma companies. Most are navigating strategic partnerships, M&A, clinical development or FDA approval. In a challenging economic environment, there is a focus on developing efficient, yet robust, IP strategies in increasingly competitive therapeutic areas.
- Chen Chen: I counsel biotech and pharmaceutical companies at different stages of their life cycle, including the early phase when they are focusing on drug discovery and development. The most common challenge I see is aligning IP strategy with evolving business needs, especially as companies move from early discovery into clinical development. With complex financing negotiations and collaboration and licensing arrangements, the legal advice has to support flexibility and growth.
- Heidi Erlacher: I advise companies at all stages, and a recurring theme is helping them manage risk while developing, protecting, or acquiring assets. Whether it's negotiating IP licenses, advising on FDA strategy, or preparing for financing rounds, companies are trying to balance speed, capital efficiency, and long-term positioning.
You all have scientific backgrounds. How does that shape your legal practice?
- Chen Chen: My rigorous training in biology and chemistry allows me to speak the same language as the scientists and founders I work with. It’s incredibly helpful in understanding the nuances of their technologies and translating that into legal and strategic frameworks to effectively advocate for my clients, for example before investors and collaborators.
- Heidi Erlacher: My background in chemistry gives me a deep understanding when evaluating data packages or conducting due diligence on targets in the context of developing IP strategies. I also find that it builds trust. Clients know I can truly understand what they’re working on and the regulatory framework they’re operating in.
- Matthew Pavao: Science is at the core of everything our clients do, and being able to deeply understand both the research and the commercial goals makes for much more strategic counsel.
Why did you choose to join Fenwick and why now?
- Heidi Erlacher: Fenwick has an incredible reputation in both life sciences and technology. The firm’s deep bench, collaborative culture, and focus on innovation were a perfect fit for how I work with clients. And the timing was ideal; Boston’s biotech ecosystem is at an inflection point, and Fenwick’s full-service platform brings something truly valuable to the market.
- Chen Chen: I was drawn to Fenwick’s commitment to excellence and its track record of supporting companies from inception to exit. It’s rare to find a firm that combines scientific fluency with deep legal sophistication. I’m excited to help build something that reflects the energy and ambition of Boston’s biotech community.
- Matthew Pavao: For me, it was about joining a firm that sees life sciences as central to its identity. Fenwick’s strategic expansion into Boston isn’t just about adding a dot on the map; it’s about investing in a region that’s shaping the future of health and medicine.
What does launching a Boston office mean right now, in this moment for biotech?
- Heidi Erlacher: This is a pivotal time for the biotech industry. Scientific innovation continues to accelerate, but it’s also a moment of recalibration for many companies. Having a trusted legal partner that understands both the science and the market pressures is more important than ever. Being in Boston allows us to meet that need in real time.
- Matthew Pavao: There’s no better time or place to be expanding. Boston is full of emerging companies working on breakthrough therapies and technologies. Launching now means we can support them from the earliest stages and grow alongside them.
- Chen Chen: It’s exciting. This moment is about building trust, being present, and offering solutions that are grounded in both deep technical knowledge and commercial strategy. It’s not just a Boston office, it’s a signal that we’re committed to being a part of the local biotech fabric.
How are you seeing the legal landscape shift for life sciences companies—from IP to partnerships to financings?
- Chen Chen: We’re seeing creative deal structures with increased complexity, particularly in cross-border collaborations and strategic licensing. There’s also a sharper focus on IP rights allocation and regulatory alignment earlier in the process. Clients want legal strategies that evolve with their science, not just react to it.
- Matthew Pavao: Partnerships are occurring earlier on in the company’s life cycle and financing is changing too. Investors are more selective, and companies are looking for new ways to structure rounds while preserving flexibility. On the IP front, there's a greater emphasis on ensuring portfolios are prosecution-ready and IP diligence-ready, right from Series A.
- Heidi Erlacher: The lines between regulatory, commercial, and IP strategy are increasingly blurred. Legal advice has to be integrated and forward-looking. It’s not just about risk mitigation anymore, it’s about enabling growth.
What excites you most about building Fenwick’s presence in Boston?
- Matthew Pavao: We’re not starting from scratch, we’re building on long-standing client relationships and bringing Fenwick’s capabilities closer to where the innovation is happening. Being here gives us the ability to collaborate even more closely with clients, founders, and investors.
- Chen Chen: I’m excited to be part of a team that’s integrated, nimble, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the local ecosystem. Boston is a city full of scientific talent and bold ideas, and Fenwick is here to support that momentum.
- Heidi Erlacher: There’s a real sense of purpose. Fenwick brings a collaborative, future-oriented approach that aligns perfectly with what Boston’s biotech companies need, and I’m proud to be part of that effort.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your work or about you?
- Heidi Erlacher: People are often surprised by how much creativity legal work requires, especially in biotech. Every deal, every agreement, every strategy has to be tailored. It’s never one-size-fits-all. Creative thinking and effective communication are key to client counseling.
- Chen Chen: I’m trained in both law and science, which allows me to tell convincing stories, helping founders articulate the value of what they’ve built. Sometimes the legal strategy is as much about the narrative as the structure.
- Matthew Pavao: Clients are surprised by how much I enjoy building long-term relationships and being a trusted business advisor. I want to help them grow through every stage of their journey.
Bonus Round! Finish this sentence: "Fenwick’s Boston team is here to..."
- Heidi: …support breakthrough science with world-class legal counsel.
- Chen: …help biotech innovators grow, scale, and succeed.
- Matthew: …bring Fenwick’s life sciences strength to the heart of the ecosystem.