Richella Soetens

Richella Soetens is an accomplished legal professional with extensive experience in the biotechnology and intellectual property sectors. Currently serving as Senior Legal Counsel, Director of Research & Development at Galapagos since September 2023, Richella provides strategic legal support for R&D operations, with a focus on cell therapy across various regions. Prior experience includes a role as Senior Legal Counsel for Janssen Vaccines at Johnson & Johnson, where Richella contributed to the development of multiple vaccine projects, notably the Janssen COVID vaccine. Richella also practiced as an IP/Privacy Lawyer at De Clercq Advocaten Notariaat, assisting a diverse range of clients with intellectual property and data protection matters, and as an IP Lawyer at Bird & Bird LLP. Richella's educational background includes a law degree from Leiden University and an exchange program at Stellenbosch University focusing on IP law.