Published August 2026
PRESS RELEASE – HGF strengthens Life Sciences practice with appointment of Dr Russell Thom
HGF has strengthened its European Life Sciences practice with the appointment of Dr Russell Thom, who joins the firm as a Partner 1st August 2026.
Russell brings more than 25 years’ experience advising universities, SMEs and multinational organisations on intellectual property strategy across the life sciences sector. His appointment adds significant senior expertise to HGF’s growing Life Sciences Group and further enhances the firm’s ability to support clients developing and commercialising innovative technologies.
He has particular expertise in biotechnology, including synthetic biology, nucleic acid sequencing, and nucleic acid- and peptide-based therapeutics. Throughout his career, Russell has worked with organisations of all sizes to develop and implement IP strategies that protect innovation, support investment and create long-term commercial value.
Russell commented:
“After more than two decades helping clients across the chemistry and life sciences sectors develop IP strategies that capture and maximise the value of their innovations, I am excited to be joining HGF.”
“HGF’s ability to bring together integrated, multidisciplinary teams of specialist attorneys across multiple countries is a real strength. It enables the firm to provide tailored, commercially focused advice to clients with increasingly complex and international IP needs. I am delighted to be joining such an ambitious and growing firm and to contribute to its vision of becoming Europe’s IP firm of choice.”
Kate Taylor, Head of Life Sciences at HGF, commented:
“Russell is an exceptional senior appointment for HGF. He brings more than 25 years’ experience providing strategic intellectual property advice to life sciences clients, together with a reputation for delivering pragmatic, commercially focused advice across a broad range of technologies.”
“His experience and judgement will be a tremendous asset to both our clients and our team. Russell further strengthens our ability to support life sciences companies at every stage of the innovation journey, and I’m delighted to welcome him to HGF.”
Russell’s appointment follows a number of recent senior additions to HGF’s European Life Sciences practice and reflects the firm’s continued investment in building a deep, internationally connected team of specialist advisers across Europe.
For further comment please contact Nikki Butler at +44 (0)113 233 0100, nbutler@hgf.com.