Leason Ellis Strengthens Patent Practice with Addition of Nine Ph.D.-Level Life Sciences Professionals

Lateral team from Haley Guiliano LLP significantly enhances the firm’s biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical IP capabilities

WHITE PLAINS, NY:  Leason Ellis LLP, a nationally recognized intellectual property law firm, has announced the expansion of its Patent Practice Group with the addition of a distinguished team of nine Ph.D.-level life sciences professionals from Haley Guiliano LLP, a patent practice that originated as a spin-off from Ropes & Gray LLP.

The strategic lateral move further strengthens Leason Ellis’ capabilities in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemical intellectual property across Westchester County and beyond. Joining Leason Ellis are James Haley, Jr., co-founder of Haley Guiliano LLP, along with partners Karen Mangasarian and Brian Gummow. They are joined by associate M. Diana Danca, law clerk Stacey Chung, patent agents Maha Saber and Marcus Jellen, and technical advisors Kendra Johnson and Taylor Vacala.

All nine professionals hold doctoral degrees in life sciences, bringing exceptional scientific depth and technical expertise to Leason Ellis’ patent practice. Their academic and professional backgrounds span molecular biology, organic chemistry, immunology, biochemistry, neurobiology, and related disciplines—strengthening the firm’s ability to serve clients operating at the forefront of scientific innovation.

The team brings extensive experience advising a broad range of life sciences clients, including academic institutions, early-stage startups, emerging growth companies, and established industry leaders. Their work includes global patent portfolio development, strategic IP counseling, and the prosecution of complex biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and chemical inventions in highly competitive and regulated markets. Collectively and individually, members of the team are widely recognized within the intellectual property community.

Their work has been acknowledged in leading industry publications such as IP Stars, IAM Patent 1000, and WIPR Leaders, reflecting a consistent track record of excellence in life sciences patent practice. “We are thrilled to welcome this distinguished group of professionals to Leason Ellis,” said Yuval Marcus, Managing Partner of the firm. “Their arrival significantly enhances our already strong patent and life sciences team and reinforces our position as a leader in intellectual property law for innovation-driven industries.” James Haley, Jr. highlighted the strategic fit between the two firms, noting that Leason Ellis provides a comprehensive IP platform well suited to sophisticated life sciences work.

“Leason Ellis combines scientific rigor with strategic depth and strong litigation capabilities,” Haley said. “It is an ideal environment for advancing and protecting the groundbreaking innovations our clients are developing.” Patent Practice Group Co-Chairs Edward Ellis and Jordan Garner emphasized the long-term value of the addition. “We are excited to welcome this exceptional team,” they said in a joint statement. “Their collective experience significantly strengthens our ability to support clients across the full patent lifecycle—from drafting and prosecution to global portfolio strategy and enforcement of high-value intellectual property.” The addition of the nine-member team underscores Leason Ellis’ continued commitment to investing in top-tier IP talent and expanding its leadership in life sciences patent law.

The firm continues to attract professionals who combine deep technical expertise with practical, business-focused legal insight.

About Leason Ellis LLP

Based in White Plains, New York, just outside New York City, Leason Ellis LLP manages global patent, trademark, and copyright portfolios and litigates intellectual property disputes for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 100 corporations. The firm has been consistently recognized by IP Today, IAM Patent 1000, and World Trademark Review, and many of its attorneys are ranked by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Lexology Index.