Gowling WLG is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina Bicknell as a partner in the firm's Life Sciences practice, joining the London office.

Gina has an outstanding reputation for advising clients in the life sciences, healthcare and technology sectors on complex, high-value matters at the intersection of intellectual property, data and commercial strategy. Having worked both in-house and private practice in the US and the UK for more than 25 years, Gina understands the industry, how it's evolving and the challenges businesses face.

She brings deep experience across the full lifecycle of life sciences arrangements, including major licensing transactions, international M&A and restructuring projects, joint ventures and high-value R&D collaborations. Her work spans early-stage research partnerships through to global commercialisation arrangements, often involving cross border and multiparty considerations.

Gina has enjoyed an illustrious career, during which time she has held senior roles at UK magic circle and US global elite firms. She joins Gowling WLG from Pinsent Masons.

With an academic background in Biological Sciences, Gina offers a strong technical foundation that underpins her legal practice. She is dual qualified as a UK solicitor and US attorney at law and is also a registered US patent attorney, giving her a rare blend of scientific insight and cross-jurisdictional legal expertise that her clients find invaluable.

Kate Swaine Co-Head of Global Intellectual Property at Gowling WLG, said:

"Gina is an exceptional addition to our partnership, Life Sciences sector team and IP practice. Her combination of scientific training, international qualifications and deep sector experience makes her ideally placed to support clients facing complex life sciences opportunities. She brings a pragmatic, commercially minded approach that aligns perfectly with our team and her arrival further strengthens our ability to advise clients on their most critical and high-stakes challenges."

Patrick Duxbury, Leader of Life Sciences UK at Gowling WLG, added:

"Gina's arrival is a major boost for our Life Sciences transactional practice. Her blend of scientific insight, international experience and commercial focus strengthens our ability to support clients navigating complex transactions across the sector."

Commenting on joining Gowling WLG, Gina said:

"I'm delighted to be joining Gowling WLG at a time when life sciences clients are navigating unprecedented scientific, regulatory and commercial change. The firm's strength in IP, health and the life sciences sector is well recognised, and I'm excited to work with colleagues across the practice, and internationally, to help clients address complex issues and protect and maximise the value of their innovation."

Gina's appointment reinforces Gowling WLG's continued investment in its Life Sciences and Intellectual Property practices, supporting clients across health and care, life sciences and technology with integrated, sector-focused advice. Their extensive experience, innovative work and first-hand insight into the sector sees the team advise on a wide range of complex and high-profile matters for clients across the sector. This is recognised with a top ranking in Chambers UK where clients cite the team's "deep expertise" and "solution-orientated and proactive approach".