Neda A. Sharifi

Neda A. Sharifi, Ph.D. is a senior counsel and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. Her practice is focused on corporate and securities laws matters, including mergers and acquisitions and securities law compliance counseling. She also handles a wide variety of commercial contracts, including technology related agreements. Neda is a member of the firm’s Transactional & Securities and Finance & Financial Institutions Practices.

Neda has advised inventors on protection and management of intellectual property rights. She has prosecuted numerous domestic and foreign patent applications. Her experience has also included providing scientific advice to international and national corporations.

Prior to joining Foley, Neda served as a registered patent agent to a large corporate law firm.

Publications and Presentations

Neda has authored several published peer-reviewed scientific articles as well as a book chapter. Her publications include:

• Co-author, "Expansive Interpretation of Caremark Creates Challenges for Private Company Boards," Westlaw Journal Corporate Officers and Directors Liability, August 16, 2019
• “VC Funds Face Risk Appointing Representatives To Board,” Corporate Board Member, April 12, 2018
• “Delaware Court Invalidates Supermajority Bylaw to Remove Directors Without Cause,” Westlaw Journal: Expert Analysis, March 20, 2017
• “CEOs Provide Common Sense Corporate Governance Principles,” Bloomberg BNA: Corporate Law & Accountability Report, October 18, 2016
• “Bylaw Wars: Boards Awaken,” The Corporate Board, March/April 2016
• “Delaware Curbs Frivolous Merger Suits with More Critical Review of Disclosure-Only Pacts,” Westlaw Journal: Delaware Corporate, October 12, 2015
• “Delaware Court Delays C&J Energy Merger for Flawed Sale Process,” Westlaw Journal: Corporate Officers & Directors Liability, December 15, 2014

Neda is also a regular speaker, having presented at several national and international conferences regarding research findings in gene regulation.

Recognition

Neda has been listed among the “Who’s Who in the World,” “Who’s Who in America,” and “Who’s Who in Science and Engineering.”

Education

Neda earned her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude), and completed her doctoral degree in human genetics and molecular biology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Ph.D.).

Neda earned her bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Maryland.

Admissions

Neda is admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She is also admitted to practice law in Florida.

Languages

Neda is fluent in Farsi.