John R. Pitfield

Co-Chair - Business & Technology

John Pitfield, co-chair of Choate’s Business & Technology Group, helps private equity and growth equity clients to maximize the value of their transactions and strategic initiatives. John excels in leading teams in mergers and acquisitions and public and private debt and equity offerings, bringing a unique business judgment to these matters. He regularly advises public companies on a range of disclosure, governance, and board level matters. Additionally, John has years of experience working with Canadian companies on a wide range of matters. A gifted collaborator, John utilizes Choate’s superior resources and expertise in the areas of intellectual property and healthcare to provide exceptional service to clients in the life sciences and health services industries.

John’s clients include a range of investors and operating companies – particularly in the health services, life sciences, and technology, media, and telecom sectors – including Bain Capital, Candescent Partners, Summit Partners, Haemonetics, Pegasystems, and Forrester Research.

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America (2015-2024)
  • Chambers USA (2018-2023)
  • Best Lawyers in America: “Lawyer of the Year” for Securities Regulation Law (2016, 2020, 2024)
  • The Legal 500: Leading Lawyer in Middle Market Private Equity Buyouts (2018-2023)
  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Representative Engagements

  • Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund in growth equity investment in ADARx Pharmaceuticals.
  • Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund in growth equity investment in Alkeus Pharmaceuticals.
  • Creation Technologies in its acquisition of IEC Electronics Corp. (Nasdaq:  IEC).
  • LeMaitre Vascular in $63 million follow-on public offering of common stock.
  • Haemonetics in $500M convertible senior notes offering.
  • Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund in growth equity investment in Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Bain Capital Life Sciences Fund in growth equity investment in JenaValve Technology.
  • Forma Therapeutics in corporate conversion and growth equity financing.
  • Claris Vision in its sale to Eli Global.
  • American Dental Partners in establishing a New York dental practice joint venture.
  • Dermatology Associates and Candescent Partners in sale of Dermatology Associates to ABRY Partners.
  • Pegasystems Inc. in $600 million 144A convertible note financing.
  • Cogito Corporation in convertible note offering and growth equity financing.
  • Quadrant Software and Candescent Partners in sale of Quadrant Software to Fresche Legacy.
  • Summit Partners in sale of Reverb Holdings Inc. to Etsy Inc.
  • lululemon founder Dennis J. Wilson in the formation of an investor consortium to purchase Amer Sports Corporation.
  • John Risley, co-founder of Clearwater Fine Foods Incorporated, and affiliated entity FP Resources USA Inc. in acquisition of The First Marblehead Corporation (NYSE: FMD).

Publications and Presentations

  • "Let's Make a U.S. Deal," co-author, Best Lawyers Winter Business Edition, December 2015.
  • "Practical Tips for Canadian Companies Launching in the U.S. Market," speaker, Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England's 48hrs in the Hub, April 2015.
  • “Practical Tips for Canadian Companies Launching in the US Market,” speaker, Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England's 48hrs in the Hub.
  • “Proxy Statement Interactive Breakfast Seminar,” panelist, RR Donnelley.
  • “Practical Tips for Canadian Companies Launching in the US Market,” speaker, the Canadian Technology Accelerator and the Canadian Entrepreneurs in New England's 48 Hours in the Hub.
  • “Q&A With Choate’s John Pitfield,” featured, Securities Law360.

Professional and Community Involvement

  • Member of the American Bar Association
  • Member of the Boston Bar Association
  • Former co-chair and member of the Board of Visitors of Fenway Health

Education & Credentials

University of Toronto Law School
LLB, 1997
Queen's University
BA, 1994, first class distinction

Admissions

Massachusetts

John's Insights