Foley Hoag is pleased to announce the election of partners Peter “Chip” Korn, Jr. and DeAnn Smith to its Executive Committee, the firm’s senior leadership body responsible for strategic oversight and management globally. Their election fills two newly created seats, reflecting the firm’s commitment to growth and diverse leadership. 

Korn, a technology lawyer who previously served as co-chair of the firm’s Business Department, becomes the first Executive Committee member from the firm’s New York office since it opened in 2015. Smith, based in Boston, is a veteran life sciences and patent attorney and co-chair of the firm’s PTAB Proceedings practice group. Together, they bring deep experience in corporate and intellectual property law, as well as long-standing leadership within the firm.

“Chip and DeAnn exemplify the vision, judgment, and collaborative spirit that define Foley Hoag,” said Managing Partner Hathaway Russell. “Their election strengthens our leadership at a pivotal time for the firm, as we continue expanding in New York and reinforcing our position as a destination for top-tier clients in innovative industries.”

Korn has spent nearly 30 years advising high-growth companies and their investors on venture capital, private equity, and M&A transactions. He regularly serves as outside counsel to technology companies and venture funds across all stages of growth. His election coincides with the 10th anniversary of Foley Hoag’s New York office, which has grown into a key platform for the firm’s intellectual property, international dispute resolution, litigation, corporate and climate and energy practices.

Smith brings more than three decades of experience as a trusted advisor to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as well as academic and research institutions around the world. She has a global patent counseling practice which includes litigation and transactional matters. Smith has been involved in numerous PTAB proceedings, EPO oppositions and appeals and patent infringement matters, including litigation before the International Trade Commission.

The election of Korn and Smith follows last year’s appointment of Russell as Managing Partner. In addition to Korn, Smith, and Russell, the full membership of Foley Hoag’s Executive Committee includes Jim Bucking, Kevin Conroy, Mark Haddad and Jeff Quillen.