Charles Yon is a transactional and licensing lawyer with extensive experience in funding and licensing technology for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. He has negotiated and closed more than 50 major (>$1 million) licensing, distribution and collaboration agreements with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and clean energy companies. He has represented major research institutes and educational institutions and has licensed technology from leading research universities.

Charles was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Coley Pharmaceutical Group from 2001 through 2008 where he was responsible for all legal and regulatory matters, including patent prosecution and litigation strategy. Coley completed the largest biotech IPO in 2005 ($120 million) and raised approximately $100 million in private round equity investments. Mr. Yon was the co-leader of the team which negotiated and completed the sale of Coley to Pfizer in 2008 for $250,000,000.

As an Access to Justice Fellow, Charles will volunteer with Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), a nonprofit that works to ensure unaccompanied children receive fair and humane treatment throughout their journey to safety by advocating for policies and actions.