Effie Toshav Joins Fenwick - Broadens Life Sciences Service Platform

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fenwick & West, a leading technology and life sciences law firm, is pleased to announce that Effie Toshav has joined the firm as a partner in its Life Sciences Group. Ms. Toshav's national practice focuses on advising life sciences clients as a strategic counselor on a broad range of legal issues and transactions. Formerly senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at AVI BioPharma, Ms. Toshav is based in Fenwick's Seattle office.

"Effie's reputation throughout the life sciences industry as a trusted corporate counsel, deal maker and sophisticated legal practitioner is matchless," said Fenwick Chairman Gordon Davidson. "Our clients will benefit greatly from the breadth of her experience as a seasoned lawyer and as a senior executive at both public and private biopharmaceutical companies. We are very proud to have her join the firm."

"Fenwick's appeal is readily apparent to those in the life sciences industry," said Effie Toshav. "It's an innovative firm with a platform uniquely suited to serving emerging companies and their legal needs. I've seen firsthand how the structure of the firm and the culture of collaboration at Fenwick result in better service to clients."

"It's a wonderful development to have Effie joining the team," said Stephen Graham, co-chair of Fenwick's Life Sciences Group. "Her top tier experience and reputation in the industry for creative deal making and thoughtful legal counsel are a great fit with the firm and with our plans for national growth in this practice area."

Before becoming general counsel at AVI BioPharma, Ms. Toshav was a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Prior to private practice, she was on the management team of biotechnology company GlycoFi and played a significant role in the $400 million sale of the company to Merck in 2006. Ms. Toshav received a B.A. in political science from Stanford University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School.

About the Fenwick & West Life Sciences Group

Fenwick & West's Life Sciences Group consists of more than 60 attorneys and scientists who provide a broad mix of corporate, intellectual property and litigation services to private companies, public companies, investors and research institutions. Many of our Life Sciences Group attorneys have had scientific and research experience prior to their legal careers, and a number have doctorate degrees in disciplines such as molecular biology, organic chemistry, electrical engineering, and immunology. The firm was ranked as a "Top Technology & Life Sciences Law Firm" by InterContinental Finance Magazine in its 2011 Highly Commended - Top Tier Firm listing.

To view the release, visit: http://www.fenwick.com/Media/Pages/Effie-Toshav-Joins-Fenwick---Broadens-Life-Sciences-Service-Platform.aspx

CONTACT:  Jennifer Shanks, 408-827-8033, [email protected].

SOURCE Fenwick & West