Cooley Wins Eight LBG Life Sciences EMEA Awards

Why It Matters

The awards underscore Cooley’s dominance in life‑sciences transactions, signaling to biotech and pharma firms that the firm can navigate high‑value, cross‑border deals. This credibility can attract further marquee mandates and reinforce the firm’s market share in a competitive legal landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Cooley earned eight LBG Life Sciences EMEA awards in 2026
• Licensing & Collaboration Firm of the Year won for second consecutive year
• Cooley secured Impact Deal awards for $1B AstraZeneca acquisition
• Hengrui Pharma licensing deal with GSK valued up to $12.5B
• Partner Frances Stocks Allen named Licensing & Collaboration Lawyer of the Year

Pulse Analysis

The Legal Benchmarking Group’s Life Sciences EMEA awards have become a barometer for legal excellence in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Cooley’s sweep of eight categories, highlighted by repeat wins for Licensing & Collaboration Firm of the Year, signals a deepening expertise that rivals traditional powerhouses. By securing both firm‑wide and individual accolades, Cooley demonstrates a breadth of talent capable of handling complex regulatory, IP, and financing structures that underpin modern drug development.

The firm’s Impact Deal recognitions illustrate its role in shaping multi‑billion‑dollar transactions that reshape therapeutic pipelines. Representing EsoBiotech’s $1 billion sale to AstraZeneca, BioNTech’s multibillion‑dollar co‑commercialisation with Bristol Myers Squibb, Hengrui Pharma’s up‑to‑$12.5 billion licensing pact with GSK, and Araris Biotech’s $1.14 billion acquisition by Taiho, Cooley proved adept at navigating cross‑border regulatory regimes and intricate valuation models. These deals not only generate headline revenue but also accelerate access to innovative medicines across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

For clients, Cooley’s award haul translates into tangible confidence when selecting counsel for high‑stakes negotiations. The firm’s global footprint—nearly 1,400 lawyers in 19 offices—combined with a proven track record in venture capital financing, positions it to capture emerging opportunities in gene therapy, digital health, and precision medicine. As the life‑sciences industry continues its rapid consolidation, firms that can deliver seamless, high‑value deal execution will command premium fees, and Cooley appears poised to maintain its leadership trajectory.