(July 15, 2008, San Francisco) – LAWFUEL – Reed Smith LLP, one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, today announced the addition of Sergio Garcia as a partner in the firm’s San Francisco office, effective immediately.
Mr. Garcia had been a partner in the Corporate Group and Intellectual Property Group of Fenwick & West since 2005, where he served as Co-Chair of the Life Sciences Group.
“Sergio is a recognized leader in the San Francisco Bay Area and is one of the premier counselors for companies in a number of important sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, medical device, and cleantech. His extensive industry knowledge and expertise will enhance Reed Smith’s practices as the firm continues to expand its global platform on the west coast,” said John Iino, Reed Smith’s firmwide Co-head of the Corporate & Securities Group. “Sergio will be integral to the firm’s growing corporate and transactional practice in California. In addition, he will provide a tremendous resource to the firm’s emerging growth clients and venture capital investors on the west coast.”
Mr. Garcia’s practice focuses on advising public and private companies, venture capital firms and entrepreneurs on a wide range of legal and business issues. These include structuring and negotiating complex technology transactions, such as international and domestic strategic alliances, joint ventures and inbound and outbound licensing agreements. Mr. Garcia also advises on the commercial technology and intellectual property aspects of mergers, acquisitions, venture financings and public equity financings, including initial public offerings and follow-on stock offerings. Mr. Garcia’s clients have included enterprises in industries ranging from biotechnology, medical device, cleantech and retail to financial services, internet and computer software.
Previously, Mr. Garcia served as Vice President, Legal and General Counsel of PDL BioPharma, Inc. where he negotiated strategic alliances and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. He also was responsible for compliance and SEC reporting, corporate governance, acquisitions and follow-on stock and convertible note offerings.
“Reed Smith offers a compelling opportunity to expand my practice on a global platform with a focus on life sciences, cleantech and technology clients – from start ups to public companies,” said Mr. Garcia. “Reed Smith has global capabilities, and has demonstrated dynamic growth in areas that are important to this diverse client base. For example, the firm’s recent expansion into China is increasingly important to my clients, many of whom are developing strategic partnerships in that area of the world.”
Mr. Garcia received his J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, and a B.A. from Stanford University. Mr. Garcia also served as a Fulbright Professor of Law in the areas of comparative business law, intellectual property and antitrust law.
Mr. Garcia is a director of the BayBio Institute, and a member of the Steering Committee of the BayBio Life Sciences Counsel Committee.
He is a frequent speaker on corporate and intellectual property issues and has published widely on issues relating to intellectual property, securities disclosure issues and technology transactions.
The arrival of Mr. Garcia brings to 20 the number of lateral partners who have joined Reed Smith’s California offices in the current calendar year.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is one of the 15 largest law firms in the world, with more than 1,600 lawyers in 23 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its attorneys provide litigation services in multi-jurisdictional matters and other high stake disputes, deliver regulatory counsel, and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising and media, shipping, international trade and commodities, real estate, manufacturing, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com
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