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BOSTON — Silicon Valley-based law firm Fenwick & West LLP is expanding its East Coast footprint with the launch of a new Boston office, bringing on a high-profile trio of intellectual property attorneys from Cooley LLP, the firm announced Monday.

The newly formed team includes Matthew Pavao, Heidi Erlacher, and Chen Chen, all of whom previously held partner roles at Cooley and bring decades of collective experience in life sciences patent law. Fenwick said the move strengthens its focus on the Boston region’s intersection of biotech innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

The Fenwick Boston IP team expansion is part of a broader growth strategy. Alongside the three new partners, Fenwick also hired more than 20 professionals, including 14 joining the new Boston team. A permanent office is planned following this temporary setup.

Meet the New Partners

Matthew Pavao, the former global chair of Cooley’s patent prosecution and counseling group, joins Fenwick with a deep background in biochemistry and next-generation therapies. Holding a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine and a biology degree from UMass Amherst, Pavao advises clients on cell and gene therapies, genome editing, drug delivery, and oncology therapeutics.

“What drew me to Fenwick is the way this team works — with strong collaboration, not only internally but also with clients and investors,” Pavao said.

Heidi Erlacher, who holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from MIT and a bachelor’s in chemistry from Clark University, specializes in patent acquisition, portfolio management, FDA submissions, and due diligence for financing and M&A.

“Clients in this industry aren’t just developing products; they’re advancing science,” she noted. “Fenwick stands out for its deep roots in life sciences ecosystems.”

Chen Chen, a Harvard Ph.D. in chemistry, with an undergraduate degree from the University of Science and Technology of China, focuses on global IP strategy for life sciences clients. Fluent in Mandarin, Chen plays a key role in cross-border patent transactions, particularly involving China.

“I was looking for a place where legal work supports — not slows — the pace of innovation,” Chen said. “This team gets that.”

All three new partners are alumni of Mintz Levin before their tenure at Cooley and are graduates of Suffolk University Law School.

Strategic Market Move

Firm Chair Richard Dickson described Boston as a natural next step in Fenwick’s national growth.

“We’ve been active in this market for a long time,” Dickson said. “We were waiting to find the right opportunity to deepen our bench and presence.”

A spokesperson for Cooley confirmed the departures and simply said, “Cooley wishes them well.”

Fenwick has not disclosed when the permanent Boston office will open. Pavao, Erlacher, and Chen were not immediately available for further comment.