WilmerHale has appointed Judith Hasko, a seasoned life sciences attorney, as the new chair of its transactional department. Hasko, who joined the firm in June 2024 as co-chair of the life sciences practice, brings nearly three decades of experience in complex strategic collaborations and licensing transactions within the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic product sectors.
Prior to her tenure at WilmerHale, Hasko was a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, where she focused on intellectual property and technology commercial transactions. Her practice encompasses advising companies and investors on licensing, collaborations, corporate partnerships, joint ventures, co-commercialization arrangements, manufacturing and distribution agreements, mergers and acquisitions, royalty financing transactions, and digital health transactions. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20240611-leading-life-sciences-lawyer-judith-hasko-joins-wilmerhale?utm_source=openai))
Hasko’s appointment aligns with WilmerHale’s strategic emphasis on expanding its life sciences practice, particularly on the West Coast. Managing Partner Anjan Sahni highlighted the significance of this growth, stating, “Continued growth of our corporate practice is a top strategic priority for the firm, and Judith’s arrival further strengthens this practice on the West Coast and nationally in a meaningful way.” ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20240611-leading-life-sciences-lawyer-judith-hasko-joins-wilmerhale?utm_source=openai))
In addition to Hasko’s leadership, WilmerHale has bolstered its life sciences team with the addition of Dr. J. Jekkie Kim, who joined the Palo Alto office in October 2024. Dr. Kim, also a former Latham & Watkins partner, specializes in strategic licensing and collaboration matters, including university spin-outs and partnerships with pharmaceutical firms, as well as complex commercial transactions such as R&D collaborations, manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements. ([wilmerhale.com](https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/20241001-leading-life-sciences-lawyer-jekkie-kim-joins-wilmerhale?utm_source=openai))
These strategic appointments underscore WilmerHale’s commitment to enhancing its transactional capabilities and providing comprehensive legal services to clients in the rapidly evolving life sciences industry.