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Fox Rothschild LLP is bringing on a surgeon-turned-attorney with experience in patent advising within biotech, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals to its intellectual property team in Princeton, New Jersey. Paul Zagar, formerly of intellectual property boutique Kim IP, joins Fox Rothschild as of counsel to offer guidance in patent counseling and patent prosecution.

In an interview with Law360 Pulse, Zagar explained that his transition from medicine to law was driven by a love of science. "Patent law is this intersection of science, law, and business, so it exposed me to people and ways of thinking that I didn't get being in medicine alone," he said.

At Fox Rothschild, Zagar will guide clients through patent drafting and procurement, patent opinions, technology licensing and agreements, litigation, and post-grant procedures. His practice also includes creating patent protection strategies, conducting patentability analyses, and performing IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

Zagar noted the opportunity to reconnect with attorneys he knew from his days as an associate at Darby & Darby and recognized the firm's strong client list. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, a medical degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, and a law degree from William & Mary Law School. His career includes stints as a partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP and senior patent counsel at chemical manufacturing company Firmenich.

Zagar was attracted to Fox Rothschild's judicious growth, citing the addition of three IP attorneys in Seattle earlier this month and his early collaboration with them. "Talk about collaboration across offices isn't just talk here," he said.

Looking ahead, Zagar aims to leverage his expertise to support the firm's strengths and address its needs, stating, "They have plentiful work and interesting work, and that's enough to make me happy."