Fenwick’s Robert Counihan Named Among Nation’s Top Five Life Sciences Lawyers Under 40

Law360 has named Fenwick litigation partner Robert Counihan among the nation’s top five life sciences lawyers under 40 on their annual Rising Stars list.

The legal publication’s Rising Stars list honors lawyers whose accomplishments transcend their age. Over 1300 attorneys were considered for the Rising Star distinction, and only 175 were recognized.

“Fenwick & West's Robert Counihan has represented numerous pharmaceutical clients, earning him a spot among the life sciences law practitioners under age 40 honored by Law360 as Rising Stars,” Law360 noted in their profile of Counihan.

Counihan focuses his practice on patent litigation and commercial disputes, as well as transactional matters related to intellectual property rights and IP portfolio analysis. In patent litigation matters, he advises multinational pharmaceutical and biotech companies on litigation strategies in advance of product launch and in anticipation of generic challenges.

Law360 highlighted some of his recent noteworthy work, including representing Eli Lilly subsidiary Loxo Oncology in a trade secrets suit.

Fenwick’s focus on life sciences and technology was a major factor that led him to join the firm in 2018, Counihan told Law360, noting that he often gets to counsel cutting-edge, early-stage life sciences companies.

"Whether that's stuff like gene therapy or cell therapy or diagnostics, they have very interesting technology, and you're talking to very smart people," he said. "Because they have interesting technology, they also have very interesting legal questions."

To read Counihan’s Rising Stars profile and learn more about the award, visit Law360 (subscription required).​​