Dechert has launched a life sciences practice in Frankfurt with the hire of WilmerHale's former corporate head Ruediger Herrmann.

Herrmann, who focuses his practice on the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and renewable energy industries, represents German and international clients in all corporate work and intellectual property transactions.

He helped launch WilmerHale's Frankfurt office in 2008 when he joined the firm as part of a four-partner team move from Mayer Brown. At WilmerHale, he advised on a range of cross-border matters, and was a member of the firm's China corporate practice.