The community of San Francisco, California, is in mourning following the tragic passing of Andrew Kessel, a revered Senior Counsel for IP Litigation at Gilead Sciences, Inc. Kessel’s death, resulting from a racing accident on Saturday, March 23, 2024, has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. His wife’s heartfelt announcement on Facebook, expressing the depth of their love and the impact of their life together, has resonated with many who knew and admired Kessel.
Andrew Kessel’s career at Gilead Sciences was marked by his significant contributions to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. Specializing in intellectual property litigation, Kessel played a pivotal role in navigating complex legal battles, safeguarding Gilead’s innovations against infringement, and handling contested matters both domestically and internationally. Prior to his tenure at Gilead, Kessel honed his skills at Paul Hastings LLP in New York, where he specialized in Hatch-Waxman ANDA litigation for pharmaceutical and biotech firms.
Kessel’s educational journey laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career. A graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in chemical engineering, followed by a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School, Kessel seamlessly combined his technical expertise and legal acumen to become a formidable force in IP litigation.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kessel’s personal interests and passions painted the picture of a man deeply engaged with life. His tragic accident has not only taken a legal luminary from the world but also a person of joy, passion, and commitment to his family and community.
Funeral services for Andrew Kessel are scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, CA, with a private burial at Skylawn Memorial Park preceding the public service. The ceremony will be live-streamed, acknowledging Kessel’s broad impact and the many lives he touched. A separate celebration of life is planned in the Boston area to honor his memory further.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Boston or Brigham and Women’s Hospital, reflecting Kessel’s spirit of giving and support for causes close to his heart.
Andrew Kessel’s untimely passing is a profound loss for the legal, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological communities, as well as those who knew him personally. As we remember his life and contributions, his legacy of professional excellence and personal kindness remains a guiding light for all who had the privilege of knowing him.
