2nd Annual West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law
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 strong 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 strategic initiatives.
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, bringing extensive experience in life sciences law.
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, focusing on executive search.
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 innovation.
Carolyn Tang
General Counsel at Arcus Biosciences
Carolyn Tang serves as the General Counsel at Arcus Biosciences, overseeing legal affairs and corporate governance.
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 and corporate governance.
Chuck Sholtz
Head of Intellectual Property at Verdiva Bio
Chuck Sholtz serves as the Head of Intellectual Property at Verdiva Bio, overseeing IP strategy and portfolio management.
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 mergers and acquisitions.
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 investments.
Jamie Kitano
Head of Legal at Electra Therapeutics
Jamie Kitano serves as the Head of Legal at Electra Therapeutics, providing legal counsel and strategic advice.
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., managing global legal disputes.
Jennifer Halbleib
Senior Director, Pharma Partnering at Genentech, Inc.
Jennifer Halbleib serves as the Senior Director of Pharma Partnering at Genentech, Inc., leading strategic partnerships and collaborations.
Jessica Oien
Chief Legal Officer at Boundless Bio
Jessica Oien serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Boundless Bio, overseeing legal affairs and corporate governance.
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., providing legal support for business initiatives.
Julie Castro Abrams
Founder & CEO at How Women Lead
Julie Castro Abrams is the Founder and CEO of How Women Lead, dedicated to empowering women leaders and fostering inclusive leadership.
Julie Grant
General Partner/West Coast at Canaan Partners
Julie Grant is a General Partner at Canaan Partners, focusing on investments in life sciences and healthcare companies.
Junie Lim
General Counsel (US) at Novo Holdings US, Inc.
Junie Lim is the General Counsel (US) at Novo Holdings US, Inc., providing legal oversight for U.S. operations.
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 psychiatric epidemiology.
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 commercialization.
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 corporate law and mergers and acquisitions.
Lauren Creel
Partner at Cooley LLP
Lauren Creel is a Partner at Cooley LLP, focusing on life sciences transactions and corporate governance.
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 and operations.
Maarika L. Kimbrell
Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Maarika L. Kimbrell is a Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, focusing on life sciences litigation and regulatory compliance.
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, managing IP strategy and legal matters.
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 life sciences law and providing strategic counsel to clients in the 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 related to 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 strategy and management.
Olivia Ware
Board Member at Arcellx, Contineum Therapeutics, Revance
Olivia Ware serves as a Board Member for Arcellx, Contineum Therapeutics, and Revance, bringing extensive experience in the biotech industry.
Peggy-Jean (PJ) Harari
Partner at Major Lindsey & Africa
Peggy-Jean (PJ) Harari is a Partner at Major Lindsey & Africa, specializing in legal executive search and talent management.
Reena Desai
Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at MBrace Therapeutics
Reena Desai serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at MBrace Therapeutics, providing legal oversight and strategic guidance.
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., overseeing legal affairs and human resources.
Scott Willoughby
Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Sangamo
Scott Willoughby serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Sangamo, overseeing legal affairs and corporate governance.
Shawnte Mitchell
Chief Legal Officer at Olema Oncology
Shawnte Mitchell serves as the Chief Legal Officer at Olema Oncology, providing legal counsel and strategic guidance.
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, advising clients on data protection.
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 matters.
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