Graham Defries is a partner in the firm’s Life Sciences group. Graham advises biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies and investors in the life science sector on private equity and venture capital investments/exits, M&A, IPOs, and collaboration/licensing transactions.
Graham has been recognized by Chambers UK 2024 as a leading individual for Life Sciences: Transactional where he has been ranked for the past 14 years.
Graham is recommended by the Legal 500 UK 2024 for M&A and Life Sciences & Healthcare. Clients note that Graham is ‘simply the best. He is sharp, reads the room well, hugely experienced and advises clients on all aspects of the transaction.’
Graham is also ranked in the 2022 edition of IFLR1000 for M&A in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors.
Prior to joining Goodwin in 2018, Graham was the head of the London life sciences practice at Dechert LLP.
Experience
- its initial public offering on NASDAQ which totaled $379.5 million
- the completion of its $250 million financing round in parallel with the simultaneous acquisition by Centessa of 10 private biotech companies across four jurisdictions
* Denotes experience prior to joining Goodwin.
Professional Experience
Graham serves on the London committee of the Cornwall Community Foundation, a charity which aims to alleviate social deprivation in Cornwall. He is a past chair of the London Advisory Board of Maggie’s Centres, a UK charity which builds and runs centers which offer psychological and emotional support, as well as practical advice, to cancer sufferers.
Credentials
Education
JD1991
College of Law, Guildford
BA1990
Oxford Brookes University
Admissions
Bars
- England & Wales
Recognition & Awards
Graham was recognized for excellence in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.
Graham was recognized by Chambers UK 2024 for his work in Life Sciences: Transactional.
Graham was ranked in the 2022 edition of IFLR1000 for M&A in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sectors.