BOSTON, Mass. (August 24, 2026) — Lathrop GPM LLP proudly announces that Partner James Velema has been named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s list of Massachusetts Go To Lawyers: Life Sciences 2026.
Velema is a biotechnology patent attorney who advises clients ranging from emerging life sciences companies and academic research institutions to global biotechnology and Fortune 500 organizations. He helps clients develop and protect valuable intellectual property (IP) through patent preparation and prosecution, due diligence and strategic patent counseling. His practice spans a broad range of technologies, including biologic and cell therapies, gene therapy platforms, antibody technologies, vaccines and oligonucleotide therapeutics.
A founding partner of the firm’s Boston office, Velema was recently appointed Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice in conjunction with the firm’s combination with HG Law, a premier IP firm with offices in San Jose, New York and London. In this role, he will guide the strategic direction of the firm’s expanding IP practice as it enters its next phase of growth. Once the combination becomes effective on January 1, 2027, the practice will nearly double in size.
Velema has been recognized as a Managing Intellectual Property (Managing IP) “IP Star – Patent Star” since 2022 and was named a “Go To Intellectual Property Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2023. Earlier this year, LexDana recognized him as a “Top 10 Attorney in Biotech Patent Prosecution.” He also was recently shortlisted for Managing IP’s 2026 Life Sciences Americas Awards in the category of Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year in Massachusetts.
Founded in 1972, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly reports decisions issued by state and federal courts in Massachusetts, as well as changes to court rules, verdict and settlement reports, bar discipline notices and other news important to attorneys throughout the commonwealth.