Merton G. Gollaher
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Merton G. Gollaher combines life-science experience with a talent for deal-making to help health care and technology clients compete in ever-changing markets. Trained as a chemist and with years of research experience as a molecular geneticist, Merton utilizes strong analytical thinking to resolve his client’s concerns and help build new affiliations, structure novel delivery networks, and nurture promising startups reshaping how health care is delivered.
Chambers USA described Merton as having a reputation for finding “creative solutions to complex problems.” He puts those skills to work specializing in business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, affiliations and strategic alliances, financings, and joint ventures, as well as licensing and collaboration arrangements and other technology-transfer matters. He also devotes a significant portion of his practice to cultivating and counseling emerging growth companies spun out of universities and early-, mid-, and late-stage ventures in the biotechnology, life sciences, medical device, and health care IT industries.
Merton’s clients span a broad spectrum of disciplines, including life sciences, biotechnology, chemical and medical device companies, hospitals, health systems and other health care providers, and IT and manufacturing companies.
Before joining Garfunkel Wild, Merton was a partner at another law firm, where he was Chair of the Health Care Transactions Practice Group and Co-Chair of the Academic Medical Centers, Hospitals and Health Systems Practice Group. Prior to that, Merton was a research scientist at Pfizer, engaged in molecular genetics and protein chemistry research and in the application of computer-based modeling and imaging systems to these disciplines.
Garfunkel Wild continues to expand its Healthcare practice and lawyer recognition in Chambers USA 2024 annual rankings of America’s top law firms and lawyers.
Thirty-Eight Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Garfunkel Wild continues to increase its Health Care practice and lawyer recognition in Chambers USA 2023 annual rankings of the foremost law firms and lawyers in the country.
Thirty Five Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America® guide and the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list. In addition, Partner Jason Y. Hsi was honored as “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Litigation – Health Care Law.
Garfunkel Wild continues to increase its Healthcare practice and lawyer recognition in Chambers USA 2022 annual rankings of the foremost law firms and lawyers in the country. Chambers & Partners conducts research that includes thousands of interviews with clients and peers, and determines rankings based on select criteria, including legal knowledge, experience, client service and effectiveness.
27 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Recognized In 2022 Best Lawyers In America List
Garfunkel Wild Continues to Increase its Healthcare Rankings in Chambers USA 2021
Partner Merton G. Gollaher Named BTI “Client Service All-Star” for 2020
2021 Best Lawyers In America® Lists Recognize 18 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys, Names One “Lawyer Of The Year”
Garfunkel Wild Recognized as Healthcare Leader by Chambers USA 2020
Merton G. Gollaher Joins Garfunkel Wild’s Health Care & Corporate Groups
Garfunkel Wild received prominent recognition in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch. A total of 38 attorneys were honored with 59 individual recognitions across various practices and offices nationwide. Additionally, 3 Garfunkel Wild attorneys were distinguished as Lawyer of the Year, an accolade awarded to only one […]
Effective July 1, 2023, Connecticut modifies its law governing physician covenants not to compete and extends non-compete protections to advanced practice registered nurses (“APRNs”) and physician assistants (“PAs”). Physicians, APRNs, PAs, and their employers will need to evaluate current non-competition provisions and revise, as needed, to comply with the new law.
Merton G. Gollaher combines life-science experience with a talent for deal-making to help health care and technology clients compete in ever-changing markets. Trained as a chemist and with years of research experience as a molecular geneticist, Merton utilizes strong analytical thinking to resolve his client’s concerns and help build new affiliations, structure novel delivery networks, and nurture promising startups reshaping how health care is delivered.
Chambers USA described Merton as having a reputation for finding “creative solutions to complex problems.” He puts those skills to work specializing in business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, affiliations and strategic alliances, financings, and joint ventures, as well as licensing and collaboration arrangements and other technology-transfer matters. He also devotes a significant portion of his practice to cultivating and counseling emerging growth companies spun out of universities and early-, mid-, and late-stage ventures in the biotechnology, life sciences, medical device, and health care IT industries.
Merton’s clients span a broad spectrum of disciplines, including life sciences, biotechnology, chemical and medical device companies, hospitals, health systems and other health care providers, and IT and manufacturing companies.
Before joining Garfunkel Wild, Merton was a partner at another law firm, where he was Chair of the Health Care Transactions Practice Group and Co-Chair of the Academic Medical Centers, Hospitals and Health Systems Practice Group. Prior to that, Merton was a research scientist at Pfizer, engaged in molecular genetics and protein chemistry research and in the application of computer-based modeling and imaging systems to these disciplines.
Effective July 1, 2023, Connecticut modifies its law governing physician covenants not to compete and extends non-compete protections to advanced practice registered nurses (“APRNs”) and physician assistants (“PAs”). Physicians, APRNs, PAs, and their employers will need to evaluate current non-competition provisions and revise, as needed, to comply with the new law.
Effective July 1, 2023, Connecticut modifies its law governing physician covenants not to compete and extends non-compete protections to advanced practice registered nurses (“APRNs”) and physician assistants (“PAs”). Physicians, APRNs, PAs, and their employers will need to evaluate current non-competition provisions and revise, as needed, to comply with the new law.
Practices
Education
- with High Honors
Court admissions
State of Connecticut
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
American Bar Association (Business Law, Health Law and Antitrust Law Section)
Connecticut Bar Association
Connecticut Health Lawyers Association
Licensing Executives Society
AWARDS & RANKINGS
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Healthcare (2017-2024)
Best Lawyers in America® – Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice (2011-2025) and Health Care Law (2005-2025)
BTI Client Service All-Star – (2016,2017,2020)
Super Lawyers (2006-2009)
Best Lawyers in Connecticut-Health Care Law (2022)