Life Sciences Partner Hiring Accelerates in Key Markets
The Global Legal Post has published new coverage of the life sciences lateral partner market, drawing on findings from Macrae+'s newly released life sciences report.
Written by Ben Rigby, the piece reports that there were 123 partner hires across London, New York, Boston, Washington DC, and California over 2024 and 2025, with activity increasing in 2025. Hiring was concentrated among a relatively small group of firms, with Kirkland & Ellis, Morgan Lewis, Sidley, and Polsinelli among those securing the most lateral additions.
Boston saw the largest year-on-year increase, with moves rising from nine to 17. Washington DC climbed from 17 to 21, and California saw a smaller rise from 11 to 13. London remained broadly stable at eight hires, while New York was the only market to see a significant decline, falling from 12 to six.
The article explores how each market plays a distinct role in the sector. Boston and California are driven by biotechnology and Big Pharma innovation, while Washington DC is a centre for regulatory work tied to federal oversight. Practice-area demand reflected this: London hiring focused largely on corporate and IP work; Boston saw growth in corporate partner additions; Washington DC was dominated by healthcare and regulatory hires; and California recorded the broadest mix, with notable increases in IP and litigation.
Across all five markets, lateral hiring remained the primary route for building life sciences practices, with firms favouring experienced partners capable of generating immediate business. The report also found that women partners accounted for a higher share of moves in several markets — including 65% of hires in Boston in 2025 and 88% in London.
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