Latest News & Updates
Full Agenda Now Available!
Flip through the 2026 program and discover what’s new for this year’s WILS West
VIEW AGENDAConnect, Collaborate, Innovate
This conference is designed for life sciences corporate counsel and outside counsel across public and private companies, from startups to multinationals, as well as non-profits, government agencies, and academic institutions.
We welcome participants of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, religions, abilities, political affiliations, sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities. Our community thrives on the richness of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences – and we celebrate the perspectives each individual brings.
Amidst an era of exciting innovations and an evolving legal, regulatory, and geopolitical environment, it is important now more than ever to take the opportunity to celebrate and advance the vital contributions life sciences legal leaders are making in the biotech, pharma, and medical technology sectors.
This summit is a unique opportunity for leaders on the West Coast to come together, leverage their shared experiences and collective knowledge to develop solutions to their common challenges. The agenda will address substantive legal and business hot topics to provide the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead in the field and explore strategies for professional development, emphasizing the importance of support and mentorship.
Our mission is to inspire, support, and elevate legal, regulatory, and compliance leaders as they navigate their professional journeys.
Conference Co-Chairs
Carol Fang
Global Head, IP Platforms
Novartis
Junie Lim
General Counsel (US)
Novo Holdings US, Inc.
Shawnte Mitchell
Chief Legal Officer
Olema Oncology
Featured Speakers
Mary Stutts
Chief Executive Officer
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA)
Hon. Cathy Ann Bencivengo
U.S. District Judge
Southern District of California
Terry-Ann M. Burrell
Vice Chairman, Investment Banking
J.P. Morgan
Melanie Gross
Associate General Counsel and Practice Group Leader
Genentech
View All Speakers
Conference Highlights
Navigating FDA Uncertainty and Regulatory Change
Adapting regulatory and legal risk management amidst evolving FDA priorities and enforcement trends.
Financing Innovation in a Challenging Capital Market
Explore new approaches to attract investment in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
AI Leadership and Governance Strategies
Balance innovation, accountability, privacy, and business continuity.
Global Strategy and Supply Chain Resilience
Navigating geopolitical uncertainty, structuring cross-border partnerships and protecting intellectual property.
Advancing Women into Executive Leadership
Develop the skills required to expand your executive presence and strategic influence.
Advisory Board
Meet the distinguished Advisory Board behind our inaugural West Coast Summit for Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law. Comprising leading legal and industry professionals, they bring unique insights to craft an agenda focused on innovation, empowerment, and meaningful discussions.
View Advisory Board
Testimonials
“I really enjoyed the conference. It was a good mix of content and networking opportunities.”—Head of IP, Verdiva Bio
“The pace of change in the life sciences industry has never been as accelerated as it is now, and as it will continue to be. It is critical for legal leaders to build trusted relationships, have a deep understanding of industry shifts, and evolve their practices to stay ahead.”—Lead Partner, Women’s Health Fund IV, Portfolia and Founder & Managing Partner, 1928 Law
“There’s a lot changing in our industry, and none of us has all the answers. Having a space where we can talk candidly about what we’re seeing, share what’s working and learn from each other is incredibly valuable.”—Vice President of Legal, Corporate Affairs, Commercial, and Compliance, Annexon Biosciences
“Over the years, this gathering has introduced me to colleagues who have become friends, mentors, trusted advisors, and sounding boards. There is something incredibly valuable about connecting with peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges we face in our roles.”—General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Xencor
“Events like this are how we build the relationships that support strong legal leadership.”—Chief Legal Officer, Vera Therapeutics
“What I value most about WILS is the community of professionals that bring real world solutions to some of the most challenging issues for legal leaders. You receive practical tips, hear inspirational stories, and learn from others’ lessons at the forefront of life science innovation.”—General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary, Altos Labs, Inc.
Sponsors & Partners
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Associate Sponsors
Media Partners
Sponsor Opportunities
With conferences in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, the Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.
For more information please contact:
Aaron Goldstein
Senior Business Development Manager
Email: [email protected]
