Polsinelli is pleased to welcome Stacie L. Ropka, Ph.D., as a senior partner in the Washington, D.C. office. Joining the firm in the Hatch-Waxman & Biologics Practice, Ropka is an accomplished attorney with nearly two decades of experience in Hatch-Waxman litigation and in advising companies in the biotech and life sciences industry on related strategies. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, Ropka has an extensive scientific background that helps her guide clients through due diligence and counseling with an emphasis on life sciences, reconstructive biomaterials, biologics and biologic-based pharmaceuticals. Her addition highlights Polsinelli’s continued support for the life sciences sector and particularly the firm’s Hatch-Waxman & Biologics Practice where the firm recently added high-profile Shareholder Chad Landmon as the new practice chair.

“Stacie is an exceptional talent in the Hatch-Waxman and biologics space, evidenced by her deep understanding of both the legal and scientific aspects of the field," said Landmon. "I have worked with her for many years and am excited that she decided to join us at Polsinelli to help us grow our team and deliver best-in-class client service."

“Polsinelli has an excellent reputation for client service and client relationships, from start-up companies to those that are large and established. Polsinelli’s approach to clients is a good fit with my own client philosophy, and I am thrilled to join Polsinelli’s well-regarded IP department. I am particularly excited to work with Chad Landmon as he grows the Hatch-Waxman & Biologics practice,” Ropka added.

Prior to her legal career, Ropka held a faculty position at SUNY Upstate Medical University and spent many years as a research scientist at Northwestern University and SUNY Upstate Medical University in the fields of neurology (particularly neuromuscular disease), virology and immunology. She has presented original research at numerous scientific conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals and medical texts.

Ropka received her J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from Syracuse University and her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, with distinction, from SUNY Health Science Center. She also holds an M.B.A., an M.S. (Endocrinology focus) and a B.S. in Biology, all from DePaul University.

Polsinelli’s multidisciplinary pharmaceuticals team includes trial attorneys, FDA and antitrust counsel, patent attorneys and agents. They are skilled courtroom advocates, and they bring to bear their team members’ backgrounds in chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacy, medicine, molecular biology, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, genetics, immunology and molecular biophysics, among others. The team has knowledge and experience in cases related to compositions and APIs, formulations (e.g., oral dosage forms, controlled release, ODTs, transdermal, topical, ophthalmic, transmucosal, parenteral, etc.), methods of use, polymorphs, enantiomers, drug delivery devices (including combination products), and methods of manufacture, including cell lines and expression systems. Polsinelli’s attorneys have first-chair experience litigating cases on behalf of pharmaceutical companies in key venues, including the federal courts in Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts, the Eastern District of Texas, the Southern District of New York, and the Northern District of Illinois.