Eric Tautfest, Esq.
Summary
C-Level biotech executive steering business development and organizational growth for innovative biotech firms. Adept in negotiation and relationship skills, demonstrated by forming partnerships to support all phases of clinical development. Strong academic foundation in business with hands-on project management and research management offers a unique and critical blend of expertise to maximize high-level corporate actions.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
President & Chief Legal Officer
United Biomedical Inc.
02.2023 - Current
- Direct multi-functional departments across 200+ employee company, including Research & Development, Manufacturing, Human Resources, Operations, Legal Finance and IT, providing training to senior managers.
- Spearhead strategic planning and business development efforts by driving market analysis and contract negotiations to support organizational focus and growth.
- Direct opportunity sourcing and review, due diligence, business case development, strategic and valuation analyses and transactional activities.
- Direct efforts to build company presence and enable steady growth through design and execution of a targeted strategy that included championing company assets and opportunities to key business and scientific audiences, particularly large pharmaceutical and biotech firms.
- Reduced operational costs through strategic cost management initiatives.
- Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
- Inspired innovation by creating an environment that encouraged creative thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Enhanced company performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
- Monitored financial performance and implemented measures to enforce compliance with budgetary standards.
- Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
- Navigated complex regulatory environments while maintaining compliance across all aspects of the organization''s operations.
Litigation Equity Partner
Munck Wilson Mandala
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Litigation Partner managing extensive and broad business litigation workload from the inception of matter through to final adjudication in California state, federal and appellate courts.
- Managed commercial business litigation practice with a primary focus on intellectual property.
- Managed case in-take, developing strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- Handled and managed all law and motion, depositions and discovery, dispute resolution and trials/arbitrations.
- Negotiated and drafted extensive business contracts and agreements including construction contracts, retail agreements, purchase agreements, employment agreements, financial services agreements and corporate set up agreements.
- Trained and managed litigation team of nine lawyers. Worked frequently with in-house and local counsel in various federal and state court venues throughout United States.
- Maintained frequent client and carrier contact throughout all matters.
Litigation Partner, Department Chairman
Gray Reed & McGraw, P.C.
10.2015 - 07.2022
- Established expertise in key practice areas, positioning the firm as an industry leader and sought-after partner for complex litigation matters.
- Reduced litigation costs by implementing effective case management strategies and streamlining processes.
- Built a strong team of lawyers, fostering collaboration and providing mentorship for growth and development.
- Facilitated settlement discussions that effectively resolved disputes without proceeding to costly trials whenever possible.
- Collaborated closely with experts to build strong cases supported by well-founded evidence in highly technical fields.
- Managed complex caseloads while maintaining meticulous organization to ensure timely resolution of matters.
Chief Licensing Officer
PanOptis Patent Management
10.2013 - 10.2015
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations by conducting regular audits of licensee records.
- Resolved licensing issues for clients, providing guidance on proper procedures and required documentation.
- Assisted colleagues with complex cases, offering expertise on relevant laws and regulations as needed.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and changes in regulatory requirements, ensuring accurate application reviews.
- Streamlined licensing processes by implementing efficient tracking and organization systems.
Litigation Principal
The Ware Firm
07.2008 - 10.2013
- Exercised strong judgment in settlement negotiations by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each case, resulting in favorable resolutions for clients without the need for trial.
- Optimized pre-trial preparation through efficient utilization of technology tools such as e-discovery platforms, document management systems and trial presentation software.
- Participated in continuing legal education programs to stay up-to-date on changes in laws, regulations, and best practices relevant to litigation practice areas.
- Collaborated with experts and witnesses to prepare compelling trial presentations.
- Navigated complex jurisdictional issues and choice of law questions, ensuring proper venue selection for client cases.
Litigation Partner
Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail
03.2007 - 07.2008
- Established expertise in key practice areas, positioning the firm as an industry leader and sought-after partner for complex litigation matters.
- Negotiated favorable settlements for clients through skilled mediation and persuasive communication techniques.
- Conducted comprehensive legal analysis to identify potential risks and provide informed recommendations on case strategy or negotiation tactics accordingly.
- Contributed to firm''s growth by actively participating in marketing efforts, including publications, speaking engagements, and online presence.
- Handled sensitive cases with tact and discretion, ensuring client confidentiality and trust throughout the litigation process.
Litigation Lawyer
Greenberg Traurig
09.2005 - 03.2007
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients by providing regular updates on case progress and addressing concerns proactively.
- Prepared compelling written submissions for courts including briefs, motions, and pleadings that effectively presented client positions.
- Implemented technology solutions to improve efficiency in document management, research, and trial preparation tasks.
- Facilitated productive settlement conferences by guiding parties towards mutually beneficial resolutions while protecting client interests.
- Maintained comprehensive knowledge of relevant federal and state laws to provide sound legal advice in various practice areas.
Litigation Lawyer
Godwin Gruber
06.2003 - 09.2005
- Represented clients in court hearings and in negotiations with other parties.
- Developed strategies for court proceedings and negotiations.
- Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
- Researched, wrote and filed motions, writs and briefs for each case.
- Explained available courses of action and possible repercussions of cases to clients.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel.
Lawyer
McKool Smith PC
05.2000 - 06.2003
- Assisted clients with navigating complex immigration processes, guiding them through each step and ensuring all required documentation was accurately completed.
- Represented clients in court proceedings, hearings and arbitrations.
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and other legal documents following applicable regulations.
- Negotiated settlements and mediated disputes between parties finding mutually beneficial solutions.
- Mentored junior associates on effective legal writing techniques and courtroom presentation skills, fostering professional growth within the firm.
Education
J.D. - Cum Laude
SMU Dedman School of Law
Dallas, Texas2000
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah1996
Skills
- Financial Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Healthcare Policy
- Strategic Visioning
- Operational Excellence
- Operations Management
- Strategic Planning
- Profitability Optimization
- Operations Oversight
- Staff Management
- Cost Control
- Stakeholder Relations
- Company Representation
- Brand Management
Additional Information
HONORS:
- The Best Lawyers in America, Woodward White, Inc. (2018 – 2023)
- "Super Lawyer ", Thomson Reuters company (2021-2022)
- Best Lawyer in Dallas by D Magazine (2018 - 2019, 2021)
- America's Top 100 Best Company Litigators list (2019)
- America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators list (2018)
- Rising Star, D-Magazine (2008-2010)
ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS:
- U.S. Supreme Court Bar Association American Bar Association
- United Biomedical US - Board of Directors
- United Biomedical Asia - Board of Directors Supervisor
- Reuben Clark Law Society- Board of Directors
- Association Federal Bar Association Dallas Bar Association
- Eastern District of Texas Bar Association Federal Circuit Bar Association
- Texas State Bar College Texas Bar Association
PRESS RELEASES / NEWS
- Gray Reed Helps Secure $506 Million Verdict for PanOptis in Patent InfrIngement Case Against Apple (August 2020)
- Waco's New Judge Primes District For Patent Growt Law 360 With David G. Henry, Eric S. Tautfest (August 2018)
- Gray Reed Helps Secure Important Verdict for PanOptis in Patent InfrIngement Case Against Huawei (Februar y 2019)
- Meet the New King of Patent Litigation (Sorry, East Texas) Dallas Business Journal With Jared Hoggan , Eric S. Tautfest(September 2017)
ARTICLES AND PRESENTATIONS:
- Author, Temptations to Take: Misappropriation of Trade Secrets, Damages and Remedies, Vol. VII No. 2 Computer L.R. and Tech. J. 117, 117-147 (Winter 2003).
- Co-Author, International Arbitration Clauses and Federal Preemption, http://www.obeliskcom.com/intlaw/cle.html.
- Co-Author and Presenter, International Litigation: A Confluence of Customs, Culture and Commercial Activity, Continuing Legal Education presentation, July 28, 2006.
- 'Co-Author and Presenter, Legislative and Case Law Update to International Business Transactions, International Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education presentation, October 1999
BAR ADMISSIONS:
- State Bar of Texas
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
Timeline
President & Chief Legal Officer
United Biomedical Inc.
02.2023 - Current
Litigation Equity Partner
Munck Wilson Mandala
07.2022 - 02.2023
Litigation Partner, Department Chairman
Gray Reed & McGraw, P.C.
10.2015 - 07.2022
Chief Licensing Officer
PanOptis Patent Management
10.2013 - 10.2015
Litigation Principal
The Ware Firm
07.2008 - 10.2013
Litigation Partner
Gruber Hurst Johansen Hail
03.2007 - 07.2008
Litigation Lawyer
Greenberg Traurig
09.2005 - 03.2007
Litigation Lawyer
Godwin Gruber
06.2003 - 09.2005
Lawyer
McKool Smith PC
05.2000 - 06.2003
J.D. - Cum Laude
SMU Dedman School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Brigham Young University
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