Boston, Mass. (July 29, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that Partner James Velema has been shortlisted for Managing Intellectual Property’s (Managing IP) Life Sciences Americas Awards 2026 in the category of Patent Strategy Attorney of the Year – Massachusetts.
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. Drawing on extensive research experience in both industry and academia, 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 IP practice group, a role announced in conjunction with the firm’s combination with HG Law, a premier IP firm with offices in San Jose, New York and London. As Practice Group Leader, Velema will help guide the strategic direction of the firm’s expanding IP practice group as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
Velema was selected among Managing IP’s “IP Stars – Patent Star” from 2022-2025. He was recognized as a “Top 10 Attorney in Biotech Patent Prosecution” by LexDana earlier this year and as a “Go To Intellectual Property Lawyer” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2023.
Now in its 21st year, the Managing IP Awards are among the legal industry’s most respected recognitions for intellectual property practitioners and firms. Finalists are selected through extensive research that includes direct submissions, client feedback and independent analysis. Individual practitioners are evaluated on the significance and complexity of their work as well as their thought leadership within the profession.