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John Hession
Partner and Vice President, Business Development at Morse
Professional Background
John Hession is a seasoned professional with an extensive track record in providing expert legal and business advice to a myriad of companies across diverse industries, with a particular focus on life sciences, medical devices, clean energy, software, hardware, and healthcare information systems. With over 33 years of experience representing emerging-growth companies, John has meticulously honed his ability to navigate the complexities of corporate finance, technology licensing, mergers, and acquisitions. He has worked with more than 400 companies, guiding them through various phases of growth and operational challenges, making him a trusted advisor in the sectors he serves.
Throughout his illustrious career, John has played a key role in structuring and negotiating an impressive array of strategic alliance transactions. He has been instrumental in securing more than 400 technology and patent licenses, collaborations, as well as distribution and supply agreements. In addition, his expertise extends to venture capital financing, where he has successfully managed over 350 venture and angel financings, with amounts ranging from $500,000 to an impressive $150 million. Furthermore, John has orchestrated over 250 acquisitions, with values spanning from $1 million to several above $1 billion, showcasing his adeptness in high-stakes negotiations and deal-making.
John's proficiency as a business and legal advisor is unparalleled in the biotech, healthcare software and services, digital media, software, and hardware fields. His role transcends traditional legal boundaries; he combines legal acumen with business insight, positioning his clients for strategic growth and advantageous outcomes. As a testament to his impact in the industry, he has not only advised but also invested in numerous start-up companies, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Education and Achievements
John Hession's educational background is marked by significant accomplishments that have laid a solid foundation for his esteemed career in law and business. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with honors, graduating Cum Laude from Boston College Law School, where he specialized in Corporate and Securities Laws, equipping him with essential knowledge to adeptly navigate regulatory landscapes and corporate governance matters.
Prior to his law degree, John completed his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English at the prestigious University of Notre Dame, graduating with a commendable GPA of 3.8. This strong foundation in liberal arts has enhanced his communication skills, critical thinking, and analytical abilities, which are invaluable assets in his legal practice and business endeavors.
John has held various significant positions throughout his career, advancing through the ranks to become a partner and vice president of business development at Morse. His previous roles also include a partnership at Cooley LLP, one of the top law firms, and involvement with McDermott Will & Emery, where he further sharpened his skills in corporate law and strategic legal guidance. Moreover, his experience as a partner at Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP and as a senior account representative at Burroughs Corporation has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of both legal and business operations within the technology and life sciences sectors.
Notable Achievements
John Hession's contributions to the legal and business landscape have earned him a reputation as a sought-after advisor. His adept handling of complex negotiations and transactions is complemented by his deep understanding of the industries he serves. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Successfully structuring and negotiating over 400 strategic alliances and agreements, allowing companies to leverage technology and expand their market reach.
- Facilitating over 350 venture capital and angel investments for diverse clients, providing them with much-needed funding to drive their innovations.
- Closing more than 250 acquisitions, showcasing an ability to navigate high-stakes, high-dollar transactions with ease and professionalism.
- His educational accomplishments, including a Cum Laude J.D. from Boston College Law School and a strong academic record from Notre Dame, reflect his commitment to excellence.
- Active participation in business development and strategic advising at Morse, contributing significantly to the growth and success of emerging companies.
Throughout his career, John Hession has consistently demonstrated his dedication to supporting emerging-growth companies. His rich tapestry of experiences across various industries, coupled with his legal expertise, makes him an invaluable asset to any organization seeking growth and legal guidance. His ability to blend legal knowledge with practical business understanding positions him uniquely in the competitive landscape of corporate law and emerging technologies.
