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2nd Annual West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law

Name: 2nd Annual West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law
Start: 2026-11-10
End: 2026-11-11
Location: To be announced

by American Conference Institute

The 2nd Annual West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law is a premier conference organized by the American Conference Institute (ACI). Scheduled for November 10–11, 2026, in San Francisco, CA, this event is designed to bring together life sciences corporate counsel and outside counsel from various sectors, including public and private companies, non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions. The summit aims to celebrate and advance the contributions of women legal leaders in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical technology industries.

The conference agenda will cover a range of substantive legal and business topics pertinent to the life sciences sector. Attendees can expect sessions on the evolving legal, regulatory, and geopolitical environment, strategies for professional development, and the importance of support and mentorship. The program is crafted to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to stay ahead in the field, with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

In addition to the educational sessions, the summit offers ample networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, share experiences, and develop solutions to common challenges. The event will feature distinguished speakers and an advisory board comprising leading legal and industry professionals, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all attendees.

This summit is ideal for legal professionals in the life sciences industry seeking to enhance their expertise, expand their professional network, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of life sciences law. By attending, participants will gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate their professional journeys successfully.

Speakers(42)

Afia Asamoah

Co-Founder, General Counsel and Head of People, Corporate Secretary at Waymark

Afia Asamoah is the Co-Founder, General Counsel, Head of People, and Corporate Secretary at Waymark, with a background in legal affairs and human resources.

Aileen Fernandes

Chief Operating Officer at Arcellx

Aileen Fernandes is the Chief Operating Officer at Arcellx, responsible for operational leadership and strategy.

Asina C. Gant

Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Commercial and Compliance at Annexon Biosciences

Asina C. Gant serves as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Commercial, and Compliance at Annexon Biosciences, managing corporate communications and compliance.

Barbara Kosacz

Board Member at Athira Pharma, Scripps Research, XOMA Royalty

Barbara Kosacz serves as a Board Member for Athira Pharma, Scripps Research, and XOMA Royalty, contributing her expertise in life sciences.

Brenda Crabtree

Senior Director, Commercial Legal & Compliance at Kura Oncology, Inc.

Brenda Crabtree serves as the Senior Director of Commercial Legal & Compliance at Kura Oncology, Inc., overseeing legal and compliance matters.

Carol Warren Simon

Partner, In-House Recruiting, Board Services at Major Lindsey & Africa

Carol Warren Simon is a Partner specializing in In-House Recruiting and Board Services at Major Lindsey & Africa.

Carolyn Buck Luce

Managing Partner at Imaginal Labs

Carolyn Buck Luce is the Managing Partner at Imaginal Labs and the inventor of The Decade Game®, focusing on leadership development and strategic innovation.

Carolyn Tang

General Counsel at Arcus Biosciences

Carolyn Tang serves as the General Counsel at Arcus Biosciences, overseeing legal affairs.

Celia Eckert

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Xencor

Celia Eckert serves as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Xencor, overseeing legal affairs.

Chuck Sholtz

Head of Intellectual Property at Verdiva Bio

Chuck Sholtz serves as the Head of Intellectual Property at Verdiva Bio, managing the company's IP portfolio.

Cynthia Chen McTernan

Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Cynthia Chen McTernan is a Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, with expertise in corporate law and life sciences.

Delphine O’Rourke

Lead Partner, Women's Health Fund IV at Portfolia

Delphine O’Rourke is the Lead Partner for Women's Health Fund IV at Portfolia and the Founder & Managing Partner of 1928 Law, focusing on women's health and legal innovation.

Jamie Kitano

Head of Legal at Electra Therapeutics

Jamie Kitano serves as the Head of Legal at Electra Therapeutics, overseeing the company's legal affairs.

Janet Kwuon

Vice President & Global Head of Litigation & Investigations at Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Janet Kwuon serves as the Vice President and Global Head of Litigation & Investigations at Gilead Sciences, Inc., overseeing legal disputes and investigations.

Jennifer Halbleib

Senior Director, Pharma Partnering at Genentech, Inc.

Jennifer Halbleib serves as the Senior Director of Pharma Partnering at Genentech, Inc., focusing on strategic partnerships.

Jessica Oien

Chief Legal Officer at Boundless Bio

Jessica Oien serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Boundless Bio, managing the company's legal functions.

Jeyshree Ramachandran

Senior Counsel, Corporate and Business and Development at Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.

Jeyshree Ramachandran is the Senior Counsel for Corporate and Business Development at Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., focusing on corporate legal matters.

Julie Castro Abrams

Founder & CEO at How Women Lead

Julie Castro Abrams is the Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, dedicated to promoting women's leadership and empowerment.

Julie Grant

General Partner/West Coast at Canaan Partners

Julie Grant is a General Partner at Canaan Partners, focusing on investments in the life sciences sector.

Junie Lim

General Counsel (US) at Novo Holdings US, Inc.

Junie Lim is the General Counsel (US) at Novo Holdings US, Inc., managing legal affairs in the United States.

Karensten Koenen

Professor, Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Karensten Koenen is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, specializing in epidemiological research.

Karin Immergluck

Associate Vice Provost, Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) at Stanford University

Karin Immergluck is the Associate Vice Provost at Stanford University's Office of Technology Licensing, managing technology transfer and licensing.

Katherine Matos

Executive Director, Legal & Compliance at Karyopharm Therapeutics

Katherine Matos serves as the Executive Director of Legal & Compliance at Karyopharm Therapeutics, overseeing legal and compliance matters.

Katlin McKelvie

Partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Katlin McKelvie is a Partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, specializing in legal issues within the life sciences sector.

Lauren Creel

Partner at Cooley LLP

Lauren Creel is a Partner at Cooley LLP, focusing on legal issues within the life sciences sector.

Lauren Crockett

General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Polaris Partners

Lauren Crockett is the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Polaris Partners, managing legal and compliance functions.

Laurie Hill

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary at Altos Labs

Laurie Hill serves as the General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Altos Labs, overseeing legal and compliance functions.

Lynn Seely

President & Chief Executive Officer at Lyell Immunopharma

Lynn Seely is the President and Chief Executive Officer at Lyell Immunopharma, leading the company's strategic direction.

Maarika L. Kimbrell

Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Maarika L. Kimbrell is a Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, focusing on legal issues in the life sciences industry.

Mala Sahai

Senior Director, Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs at Gladstone Institutes

Mala Sahai serves as the Senior Director of Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs at Gladstone Institutes, specializing in IP law.

Maryam Abdul-Kareem

Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary at Arcellx

Maryam Abdul-Kareem serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Board Secretary at Arcellx, bringing extensive experience in legal leadership within the life sciences sector.

Megan Baca

Partner at Ropes & Gray LLP

Megan Baca is a Partner at Ropes & Gray LLP, specializing in legal matters pertinent to the life sciences industry.

Melanie Gross

Associate General Counsel and Practice Group Leader at Genentech

Melanie Gross is the Associate General Counsel and Practice Group Leader at Genentech, specializing in legal matters within biotechnology.

Nishita Doshi

Vice President & Chief IP Counsel at Natera, Inc.

Nishita Doshi is the Vice President and Chief IP Counsel at Natera, Inc., specializing in intellectual property law.

Olivia Ware

Board Member at Arcellx, Contineum Therapeutics, Revance

Olivia Ware serves as a Board Member for Arcellx, Contineum Therapeutics, and Revance, contributing her expertise in life sciences.

Peggy-Jean (PJ) Harari

Partner at Major Lindsey & Africa

Peggy-Jean (PJ) Harari is a Partner at Major Lindsey & Africa, specializing in legal recruitment and consulting.

Reena Desai

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at MBrace Therapeutics

Reena Desai serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at MBrace Therapeutics, with a focus on corporate governance and legal strategy.

Ruchika Kumar

General Counsel and Head of People at N-Power Medicine Inc.

Ruchika Kumar is the General Counsel and Head of People at N-Power Medicine Inc., managing legal and human resources functions.

Scott Willoughby

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Sangamo

Scott Willoughby serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Sangamo, overseeing legal and corporate governance functions.

Shawnte Mitchell

Chief Legal Officer at Olema Oncology

Shawnte Mitchell serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Olema Oncology, overseeing the company's legal affairs.

Tracy R. Shapiro

Partner, Privacy & Cybersecurity at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati

Tracy R. Shapiro is a Partner specializing in Privacy & Cybersecurity at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati.

Vanina de Verneuil

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Vir Biotechnology

Vanina de Verneuil is the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at Vir Biotechnology, managing legal and corporate governance matters.

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Event Details

Date: November 10-11, 2026; 2 days
Location: 🇺🇸 San Francisco, United States; To be announced
Audience: Life sciences corporate counsel, outside counsel, legal professionals in biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical technology sectors
CLE Credits: CLE credits available