Cooley sweeps up Testa Hurwitz vets for Boston launch

US West Coast firm Cooley Godward Kronish has launched a new East Coast office in style, taking 10 partners from different firms for its Boston opening.

The firm opened the office to get a foothold in the growing life sciences market in New England.

Life sciences specialists John Hession and Lester Fagen will manage the new office, joining from McDermott Will & Emery and Goulston & Storrs respectively.

The Boston corporate practice features Alfred Browne and Miguel Vega from Sullivan & Worcester, Patrick Mitchell from Goulston and Marc Recht from McDermott Will & Emery.

The IP department opens with Thomas Meyers from Sullivan & Worcester and Robert Tosti from Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge.

Finally, the litigation group will be served by Richard Sanders from Sullivan & Worcester and Robert Lovett from Seyfarth Shaw.

Cooley's new partners all worked at Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault, which was a leading Boston life sciences practice until its dissolution in 2005.

Cooley managing partner Stephen Neal said: "A Boston office has long been part of Cooley's strategic plan. We couldn’t be in a better position to hit the ground running."

The move is part of the firm's East Coast drive. Last year Cooley merged with New York litigation firm Kronish Lieb Weiner & Hellman.