BOSTON, Mass. — Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati said corporate life sciences partner Karen Deschaine has relocated from the firm’s San Diego office to Boston, a move aimed at deepening the firm’s presence in one of the nation’s most active life sciences markets.
Deschaine brings nearly 20 years of experience advising biotechnology and therapeutics companies across all stages of growth. Her practice includes private financings, public offerings, corporate governance, strategic and commercial transactions, and securities matters, with a focus on guiding companies from early formation through capital raising, complex transactions, and exits.
Firm leaders said the relocation reflects both the continued growth of the Boston office and the importance of the Northeast life sciences ecosystem.
“Karen’s move reflects the growth of our office and the vitality of the Northeast life sciences ecosystem,” said Lou Lieto, head of the firm’s Patents and Innovations Department. “Throughout her career, she has worked closely with clients worldwide, including many in the Northeast U.S., where she has become a go-to advisor. Being on the ground will allow her to deepen those relationships and deliver even greater value to the region’s life sciences innovators.”
Beyond her legal practice, Deschaine is active in initiatives that support women and veterans starting new businesses and is a frequent speaker at industry and community events. She also serves on the Life Science Cares Boston board of advisors, where she contributes to programs focused on healthcare access, workforce development, and addressing basic needs across the greater Boston area.
During her time in San Diego, Deschaine received multiple professional and community honors, including recognition from the San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Metro Magazine for leadership in law, mergers and acquisitions, and civic impact.
Her career is also shaped by her background as a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and her service as an officer in the U.S. Army, where she commanded two companies. The firm said she brings the same discipline and leadership from her military experience to advising clients through complex business challenges.
“I’m excited to bring my company-building experience to Boston, where science, innovation, and capital intersect,” Deschaine said. “With world-class research institutions, cutting-edge biotech, and an active investor network, the city is uniquely positioned to turn bold ideas into market-shaping breakthroughs.”
Deschaine’s move comes as Wilson Sonsini’s Boston office continues to expand. Since opening in 2016 with three attorneys, the office has grown to 85 attorneys, patent agents, and other professionals serving biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical clients, fully integrated with the firm’s global platform across intellectual property, venture finance, capital markets, and corporate law.
