Steven D. Barrett
Partner
- Co-Chair, Technology Transactions and Licensing Practice Group
Steve Barrett, co-chair of the Technology Transactions and Licensing Practice Group, advises a variety of life sciences and technology companies regarding the structuring, negotiation and drafting of agreements for a broad range of technology transactions, including technology acquisition, license, strategic alliance and joint venture transactions, and related research, development, supply, marketing, distribution and services agreements. Mr. Barrett regularly represents entrepreneurs, early-stage and established life sciences and technology companies and large commercial enterprises.
Learn more about Mr. Barrett's practice and how he can support your startup on WilmerHaleLaunch.com.
Community Involvement
Mr. Barrett serves on the board of directors of The Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project. Mr. Barrett has also successfully represented, on a pro bono basis, a number of persons who have fled persecution in other countries and sought political asylum in the United States.
Mr. Barrett served on active duty as a US naval officer from 1989 to 1992. His assignments included division officer tours in USS Hoel (DDG-13) and USS Waddell (DDG-24), and he qualified as a surface warfare officer and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal.
Recognition
- Recognized in the 2024–2026 editions of Chambers Global Guide for his life sciences practice.
- Recognized in the 2023–2026 editions of Chambers USA Guide for his life sciences practice (Nationwide and Massachusetts).
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2021–2026 editions of the Best Lawyers in America in the biotechnology and life sciences practice category.
- Recognized for his practice and named a "Life Sciences Star" in the 2012–2025 editions of LMG Life Sciences and named to its 2017 awards shortlist for Finance & Transactional Attorney of the Year: Licensing & Collaboration. He was also awarded one of five Finance and Transactional Impact Cases of the Year by LMG for counseling Editas Medicine in its licensing and collaboration with Allergan.
- Recommended in the 2019 edition of The Legal 500 United States for his work in Healthcare: Life Sciences, Commercial Deals and Contracts and Technology Transactions. In the 2016, 2017 and 2018 editions, he was recommended in the areas of M&A/Corporate and Commercial and Media, Technology and Telecoms: Outsourcing and Transactions.
- Recognized as a leader in life sciences in the 2015 and 2016 editions of Who's Who Legal.
- Recognized in each edition of the PLC Cross-border Life Sciences Handbook in the USA Commercial and Partnering category since the 2006/07 edition; listed as Leading in this category in the 2009/10 and 2011/12 editions.
- Named "Massachusetts Super Lawyer" in the areas of intellectual property and business/corporate law in 2014–2016 and 2023–2025.
- Named a "Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Star" in intellectual property law in the 2005 and 2006 issues of Boston Magazine.
Insights & News
- Recognition
WilmerHale Lawyers and Practices Recognized in 2026 Edition of Chambers USA
- Client News
Biogen to Acquire Apellis Pharmaceuticals for $5.6 Billion, Expanding Its Immunology and Rare Disease Portfolio
- Client News
Beam Therapeutics Announces $500 Million Strategic Financing Facility with Sixth Street
Credentials
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Education
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JD, University of Michigan Law School, 1996
cum laude -
MBA, University of Michigan, 1996
with High Distinction -
SB, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989
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Admissions
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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US Patent and Trademark Office
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Credentials
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Education
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JD, University of Michigan Law School, 1996
cum laude -
MBA, University of Michigan, 1996
with High Distinction -
SB, Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1989
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Admissions
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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US Patent and Trademark Office
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