Fenwick launches Boston office with leading life sciences IP team 

April 14, 2025  – Fenwick has welcomed the addition of three new intellectual property partners—Drs Matthew Pavao, Heidi Erlacher, and Chen Chen—and announced the opening of a new office in Boston, expanding its footprint in one of the world’s most active regions for life sciences and technology innovation. Alongside this launch, the firm also welcomes more than 20 additional new professionals, 14 of which join the new office in Boston.   

“We are very excited to have found a compelling team to establish our new office in an important market for our technology and life science focus,” said Firmwide Chair Richard Dickson. “We’ve been active in this market for a long time and have been waiting to find the right opportunity to deepen our bench and presence. Matt, Heidi, Chen, and their team align with our razor-sharp focus and embrace our entrepreneurial and collaborative culture. The new office will enable the addition of more talented professionals who share our industry focus and value our collaborative approach, and will help us better serve our existing Boston-based clients.” 

The firm has served as counsel to hundreds of clients in the Boston community, from venture capital firms like MRL Ventures to notable life sciences and technology leaders like Devoted Health, Morphic, and Stoke Therapeutics. This new team adds additional technical fluency and industry insight to the Fenwick platform and enhances the firm’s ability to respond to the pace and complexity of today’s life sciences challenges—especially in a region where deep science and entrepreneurial energy often converge. 

“What drew me to Fenwick is the way this team works with a strong focus on collaboration, not just internally but with clients and investors,” said Pavao. “In the life sciences space, IP strategy has to stay in step with business growth. The ability to engage early and think holistically about those dynamics is essential, and Fenwick does just that.” 

“Clients in this industry aren’t just developing products; they’re advancing science,” said Erlacher. “That requires a legal partner who understands the context and cadence of R&D, clinical development, and funding. Fenwick stands out for its deep roots in life sciences ecosystems. The firm’s focus on anticipating market trends while adapting to client needs has been the driving force behind their exceptional long-term outperformance with life sciences companies.”  

“The culture around life sciences innovation is shaped by urgency, complexity, and trust,” said Chen. “I was looking for a place where legal work supports—not slows—the pace of that innovation. This team understands how to move quickly while staying grounded in strategy.” 

“Matt, Heidi, and Chen and the team’s arrival significantly strengthens our ability to solve complex patent challenges for life sciences innovators in this critical hub and more broadly,” said Stefano Quintini, co-lead of Fenwick’s Life Sciences group. “Their combined expertise allows us to guide clients through critical IP decisions, secure stronger patent protection, and develop strategies that turn intellectual property into competitive advantage—all essential capabilities as our clients effectively navigate the rapidly evolving life sciences landscape.”

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