Seyfarth Shaw LLP announced today that Jamaica P. Szeliga has joined the firm’s Litigation department as a partner in Seyfarth’s Washington, D.C. office. Szeliga comes from Leydig, Voit & Mayer, LTD, an intellectual property boutique, where she served as a member in Washington, D.C.
Szeliga’s practice focuses on intellectual property litigation relating to biotechnology and pharmaceutical matters, where she has handled Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) litigation on behalf of a variety of companies. In addition, she has litigated cases involving biologics, medical devices, telecommunications, electronics, consumer goods, and mechanical products.

“Jamaica is a seasoned trial lawyer and adviser to companies facing both basic patent and Hatch-Waxman litigation,” said Kate Perrelli, chair of Seyfarth’s Litigation department. “This is a significant step in our growth strategy for the Intellectual Property practice and in the life sciences space nationally.”

Szeliga has deep experience in patent litigation and has participated in numerous bench and jury trials. She has regularly coordinated complex fact discovery, managed expert discovery, drafted dispositive motions, taken and defended fact and expert depositions, examined witnesses at trial, and briefed multiple appeals. Her versatile practice also includes patent prosecution and opinion drafting, including biosimilar targets. Szeliga has also provided guidance on the licensing and protection of intellectual property in corporate transactions.

“Jamaica’s addition strengthens our local Intellectual Property presence and she will be a key asset to our national team,” said Robert Bodansky, managing partner of Seyfarth’s Washington, D.C. office. “She is an impressive litigator and our IP group, and office as whole, are excited to collaborate with her as we continue to grow.”
Szeliga received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry, with distinction, from Stanford University.

Thomas Haag, co-chair of Seyfarth’s Life Sciences and Chemical Patent team stated, “We are delighted to be bringing Jamaica on board as we continue to build on the firm’s expertise in contentious IP matters related to pharmaceuticals and biosimilars.”

Szeliga’s arrival follows the recent arrivals of Dean Fanelli, Ph.D. and Thomas Haag, Ph.D., co-founders of top intellectual property boutique Fanelli Haag PLLC in Washington, D.C. The office also recently added real estate partner Thomas Galli, corporate partner John Shire, and healthcare partner William Eck. Founded in 1971, Seyfarth’s Washington, D.C. office has grown to over 70 lawyers, with practices spanning ADA Title III, commercial litigation, construction law and litigation, corporate, employee benefits, immigration, intellectual property litigation, government contracts, labor and employment, patent prosecution, and real estate.