Lori P. Westin

Lori P. Westin is a seasoned patent attorney with deep experience in life sciences and innovation-focused litigation. She handles complex cases involving patents, post-grant reviews, and intellectual property disputes. Lori is known for helping technology and biotech clients protect their inventions and navigate legal challenges involving cutting-edge science.

Lori’s education began with a B.A. in Animal Physiology from the University of California, San Diego, where she was a UCSD Presidential Fellow and MARC Fellow. She earned both an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Biology from Boston University, where she was a Dean’s Fellow. Later, she received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she was Editor-in-Chief of the law review.

Before her legal career, Lori worked as a senior research scientist at Nanogen, Inc., a research associate at the Salk Institute, and a postdoctoral fellow at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Her work in molecular genetics and DNA amplification led to seven issued U.S. patents, showing her talent in scientific innovation and practical application.

Lori previously served as a federal law clerk to the Honorable John A. Houston in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Before becoming an attorney, she worked as a patent agent, supporting complex cases involving cutting-edge biotechnologies. Today, her practice focuses on helping life sciences and biotech companies navigate patent litigation, protect intellectual property, and develop forward-looking innovation strategies.

Lori P. Westin has earned national recognition, including being a finalist for the 2025 “Mentorship Award” by The Recorder and being named a “Top Woman of Influence in Law” in 2023 by the San Diego Business Journal. Her background as both a scientist and a lawyer gives her clients a powerful edge in intellectual property law. Admitted to the State Bar of California and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Lori continues to combine her legal skills with scientific knowledge to support innovation in a fast-moving field.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Boston University
  Doctors of Philosophy (PhD)
• Boston University
  Masters of Science (MA)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Science (BA)

Awards & Badges