Jason Sheasby
Partner, Irell & Manella LLP | Founder, TORL Biotherapeutics
Helping innovators protect breakthrough ideas through strategy, litigation, and intellectual property.
“The strongest intellectual property strategy is the one that allows companies to spend more time building the future and less time defending the past.”
Jason Sheasby is a nationally recognized trial lawyer, intellectual property strategist, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of technology, life sciences, and complex commercial litigation. As a partner at Irell & Manella LLP, he represents companies in high-stakes patent and technology disputes involving some of the world’s most innovative industries, including semiconductors, software, biotechnology, and medical devices.
Beyond his litigation practice, Jason is the founder of TORL Biotherapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. His experience building a company gives him a practical understanding of the challenges innovators face beyond the courtroom, from protecting intellectual property to bringing new technologies to market.
Jason graduated summa cum laude from Pomona College with a degree in Philosophy before earning his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School. Throughout his career, he has been recognized by publications including The American Lawyer, Law360, Managing IP, Chambers USA, and Lawdragon for his work in intellectual property litigation.
Whether advising startups or established global companies, Jason believes that intellectual property is not simply about resolving disputes. It is about creating the conditions for innovation to thrive by protecting ideas, encouraging investment, and helping businesses compete with confidence.
Professional Journey / Timeline
- Pomona College → Graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
- Harvard Law School → Earned a Juris Doctor, cum laude.
- Joined Irell & Manella LLP → Began representing clients in complex intellectual property and commercial litigation.
- Became Partner, Irell & Manella LLP → Built a nationally recognized practice representing technology and life sciences companies in high-stakes patent disputes.
- One of the founders of TORL Biotherapeutics → Established a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies.
- Named Litigator of the Year by The American Lawyer and Managing IP → Recognized for leadership in complex intellectual property litigation.
- Appointed Trustee, Pomona College → Joined the Board of Trustees to support the college’s long-term mission and growth.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Represented leading technology and life sciences companies: Successfully handled complex intellectual property and commercial litigation involving some of the world’s most innovative organizations.
- One of the founders of TORL Biotherapeutics: Helped establish a biotechnology company focused on advancing novel cancer treatments.
- National litigation recognition: Received honors including The American Lawyer Litigator of the Year, Managing IP Litigator of the Year, Law360 Trials MVP, Chambers USA recognition, and inclusion in the Lawdragon 500.
- Patent and technology litigation leadership: Led trial teams in high-profile patent disputes involving software, semiconductors, medical devices, and biotechnology.
- Trusted advisor on intellectual property strategy: Works with companies to align intellectual property protection with long-term business and innovation goals.
- Leadership in higher education: Serves as a Trustee of Pomona College, supporting institutional leadership and strategic initiatives.
Fun facts / Beyond the boardroom
- One of the founders of a biotechnology company focused on cancer research.
- Serves as a Trustee of Pomona College.
- Enjoys cooking and exploring new recipes.
- Has a strong interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.