WilmerHale announced today that Judith Hasko, nationally recognized life sciences and market-leading transactional lawyer, will chair the firm’s Transactional Department, succeeding Mick Bain, following his retirement at the end of the calendar year after three decades of service to the firm. Hasko, a renowned transactions attorney and go-to advisor for companies at all stages of growth, has served as Co-Chair of WilmerHale’s Life Sciences Practice since joining the firm in 2024. With more than three decades of experience in the life sciences sector and advising clients on complex corporate matters, Hasko is a trusted counselor to both emerging and established businesses. The firm congratulates Bain on his well-deserved retirement.
Hasko is a key advisor to high growth companies and has guided top companies and their investors on a range of matters, including strategic intellectual property and technology-based commercial transactions. She will continue to lead from the firm’s Palo Alto office, expanding on the firm’s dealmaking capabilities and advising clients, including early-stage startups, private equity investors, financial institutions, and investors, through every stage of growth and development.
As Chair of the Department, Hasko will lead a deep bench of experienced attorneys in advising entrepreneurs, startups, and high growth companies throughout their lifecycles – from launch, to private and public fundraising transactions, to “bet the company” complex commercial, and M&A transactions. She will also focus on the development of WilmerHale’s next generation of market-leading transactional lawyers as the firm continues to invest in the future of the Transactional Department.
“Judith is a proven leader across the life sciences sector with an exceptional track record and extraordinary reputation,” said WilmerHale Managing Partner Anjan Sahni. “As Transactional Department Chair, Judith will continue to build on the success of our team and lead the practice in advising on the most consequential deals across the technology, life sciences, financial, and other cutting-edge sectors.”
“I am honored and excited to lead such a talented and driven team,” said Hasko. “Together, we will continue to offer innovative solutions to clients and help them achieve their most important goals in executing critical financial and commercial transactions. I wish my colleague, Mick, a happy retirement and look forward to building on the incredibly successful foundation he has laid during his long and fruitful career.”
Bain joined WilmerHale in 1993. Since that time, Bain has played a pivotal role in shaping WilmerHale’s Transactional Practice, overseeing many complex and high-profile deals. Bain’s strategic vision and commitment to excellence in his client work has left a lasting impact on the practice and the firm.
“Countless companies and entrepreneurs, many who are now leaders in their industry, have Mick to thank for guiding through transformative transactions that shaped their success,” said Sahni. “Mick leaves his mark at WilmerHale in the generation of talented dealmakers and advisors whom he has mentored and in the strength of our leading transactional practice today. The entire firm joins in wishing Mick a very happy retirement.”
“I am incredibly grateful to WilmerHale, and my colleagues, clients, and friends for three decades of partnership and trust,” said Bain. “It has been both gratifying and thrilling to have guided so many entrepreneurs and emerging companies through their transformative moments. I proudly hand over leadership of the practice to Judith, who has the tenacity, strategic expertise, and collaborative spirit to lead the Transactional Department at the highest level. Our clients and team of world-class attorneys will continue to thrive and grow under her leadership.”