Brian R. Swanson

Brian focuses on helping start-up and growth-phase companies draft, negotiate and manage sophisticated domestic and international contracts. He also advises on intellectual property strategy and risk and counsels clients on key legal and compliance issues. His experience covers both operational and strategic transactions, and he regularly supports teams across business development, R&D, manufacturing, procurement and sales.

Brian represents clients across a wide range of industries. He has particularly deep experience in life sciences, healthcare, semiconductors, electrical equipment and clean technology, and also regularly advises companies serving those sectors or in adjacent sectors. His ability to quickly understand the technical, regulatory and commercial context in which clients operate enables him to deliver thoughtful and efficient legal solutions.

Before joining VLP, Brian founded and led a successful solo practice, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges facing emerging companies. Previously, he served as Vice President, Legal Affairs at Neoforma.com, overseeing all legal functions, and as Senior Corporate Counsel at Varian Medical Systems, where he led legal support for acquisitions, strategic collaborations and transactions across R&D and sales functions. He began his legal career at Shearman & Sterling (now A&O Shearman), a leading international law firm.

Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in economics modified with engineering from Dartmouth College and earned his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and managing editor of the Minnesota Law Review. Outside of work, Brian enjoys cross country and downhill skiing and is an avid tennis player.