Kevin O'Connor

Kevin O'Connor

recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025
Awarded Practice Areas
Patent Law
Kevin O'Connor
Kevin O'Connor
Chicago, IL
Works at
Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

50 Best Lawyers awards

Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP logo

Biography

Kevin, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, represents life sciences clients across every facet of patent law. Clients rely on Kevin to navigate the complexities of intellectual property with confidence and clarity. His practice consists of conducting technical IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, as well as collaboration and license agreements; comprehensive patent counseling, including global prosecution and strategic portfolio management; and product clearance and opinion preparation.

Holding a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Colorado, Kevin conducted research on the relationship between the central nervous system and the immune system. Following his doctoral studies, he advanced his expertise in the Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology Program at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, focusing on pediatric inflammatory diseases. This biological foundation combined with legal acumen enables Kevin to quickly master the intricacies of biotech and pharmaceutical intellectual property matters and craft strategies that protect client innovations.

Clients trust Kevin for his business insight and clear communication, essential skills for delivering practical, strategic guidance. He represents major pharmaceutical companies and emerging enterprises in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. His work covers a broad spectrum of technologies, including:

  • Therapeutics: cellular therapies, gene therapies, vaccines, biologics (large molecules), and small molecules
  • Diagnostics: assays and laboratory reagents
  • Gene editing and advanced molecular technologies
  • Medical devices and related innovations

Kevin has overseen IP diligence for several billion-dollar acquisitions and multi-million-dollar collaborations, conducting diligence to address complex patent, trade secret, antitrust, and corporate issues.

In addition to his legal practice, Kevin serves on the firm’s Origination, Relationship, & Proliferation Credits Committee, where he contributes to initiatives that support the firm’s long-term growth and success. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Mother McAuley High School and has held leadership roles with the Illinois Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Works at
Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

50 Best Lawyers awards

Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP logo

Locations

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT, J.D., graduated 2007
  • University of Colorado at Boulder, Ph.D., graduated 2003
  • Creighton University, B.A., graduated 1998

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

Regulatory Agencies

  • U.S. Department of Commerce - Patent and Trademark Office

Client Testimonials

Kevin O'Connor is a leading lawyer in his field.

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for work in:
  • Patent Law

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