Brown Rudnick has completed the largest group lateral hire in its history, adding a 34-lawyer intellectual property litigation team from HSF Kramer. The landmark move strengthens the firm’s national litigation platform while supporting the launch of its new Silicon Valley office, a strategic expansion into one of the world’s leading technology and innovation hubs.
The high-profile group includes seven partners, experienced patent litigators, scientific advisors, and business professionals. Collectively, they bring decades of experience representing technology companies in complex intellectual property disputes. The move also reflects the growing competition among major law firms to recruit established practice groups rather than individual attorneys.
For Brown Rudnick, the acquisition represents more than a hiring announcement. Instead, it signals a broader investment in intellectual property litigation, technology clients, and Silicon Valley’s expanding legal market.
Key Takeaways
- Brown Rudnick hired a 34-lawyer intellectual property litigation team from HSF Kramer.
- The acquisition is the largest group hire in Brown Rudnick’s history.
- The firm is opening a Silicon Valley office to expand its technology law practice.
- Seven partners will help lead the expanded intellectual property litigation group.
- HSF Kramer said the departures will not alter its long-term U.S. growth strategy.
- The move highlights the continued rise of large-scale lateral hiring across BigLaw.
Brown Rudnick Strengthens Its Intellectual Property Practice
Brown Rudnick announced that the incoming attorneys will significantly expand its intellectual property litigation capabilities. The team includes partners Paul Andre, Lisa Kobialka, James Hannah, Kristopher Kastens, Michael Lee, Jonathan Caplan, and Aaron Frankel.
Additionally, Lisa Kobialka will join Brown Rudnick’s management committee while serving as co-chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group. Her appointment demonstrates the firm’s commitment to integrating the incoming lawyers into key leadership roles.
Following the additions, Brown Rudnick now has approximately 270 lawyers across offices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the firm is launching a Silicon Valley office, adding another important location alongside its California offices in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Why the Team Chose Brown Rudnick
A Collaborative Culture
According to team leader Paul Andre, Brown Rudnick offered a culture that aligned with the group’s long-term goals.
Rather than joining another large international platform, the attorneys preferred a firm with accessible leadership and a more entrepreneurial environment. Andre noted that Brown Rudnick’s size allows lawyers to work more closely with firm leadership while continuing to build sophisticated litigation practices.
Although he spoke positively about HSF Kramer, Andre explained that Brown Rudnick ultimately provided a better strategic fit for the team’s future.
Experience With Litigation Funding
Another important factor involved litigation funding.
Many of the team’s clients include startups and emerging technology companies that depend on third-party litigation funding when pursuing complex patent disputes. Brown Rudnick already has significant experience representing clients in funded litigation, making the transition attractive for both the lawyers and their existing client base.
Expansion Into Silicon Valley
The group’s arrival coincides with Brown Rudnick’s expansion into Silicon Valley, one of the country’s most competitive legal markets.
Silicon Valley continues to attract technology companies, artificial intelligence startups, semiconductor businesses, and venture-backed innovators. Consequently, demand for experienced intellectual property litigators remains exceptionally strong.
By establishing a new office in the region, Brown Rudnick positions itself closer to clients involved in patent litigation, trade secret disputes, licensing conflicts, and other technology-related legal matters.
The expansion also allows the firm to compete more directly with other national and international firms that have increased their investment in Northern California.
A Proven Track Record in Patent Litigation
The incoming lawyers bring extensive experience handling high-value intellectual property disputes.
Among their most notable successes was securing a $151.5 million jury verdict for cybersecurity company Centripetal Networks in its patent case against Palo Alto Networks. The group has also represented companies such as Acceleration Bay and Freshub in significant patent litigation matters.
Beyond the lawyers themselves, Brown Rudnick is welcoming seven scientific advisors and approximately 20 business professionals. Those additions enhance the firm’s ability to manage technically complex patent disputes involving software, biotechnology, telecommunications, and other advanced technologies.
HSF Kramer Maintains Its Growth Strategy
HSF Kramer acknowledged the departures but emphasized that its long-term strategy remains unchanged.
Firm leaders said they remain committed to expanding their U.S. technology and intellectual property practices despite the loss of the 34-lawyer team. They also noted that the firm’s first year following the Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin merger exceeded expectations.
The statement signals confidence that HSF Kramer will continue investing in its American platform while pursuing future growth opportunities.
What This Means for BigLaw Hiring
Large team acquisitions have become increasingly common across the legal industry.
Instead of recruiting individual partners, many firms now seek complete practice groups that already possess established client relationships, experienced support staff, and proven trial records. As a result, firms can expand more quickly while reducing the time needed to build new practices organically.
Brown Rudnick’s latest move illustrates this strategy in action. Rather than adding attorneys one at a time, the firm immediately strengthened its intellectual property litigation platform through an experienced team with a successful history of handling complex technology disputes.
The announcement also underscores the continued value of intellectual property litigation as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and semiconductor technologies generate new legal challenges.
Career Outlook for Intellectual Property Lawyers
The latest lateral move reinforces strong demand for experienced intellectual property attorneys.
Law firms continue competing aggressively for lawyers who possess technical backgrounds, trial experience, and long-standing client relationships. Additionally, companies operating in emerging technologies increasingly require sophisticated legal counsel to protect patents and defend intellectual property rights.
For law students and associates interested in technology law, intellectual property litigation remains one of the legal profession’s fastest-growing practice areas. Recruiters also expect strategic team hiring to continue as firms compete for premium talent throughout 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the 34 lawyers leave HSF Kramer?
According to team leader Paul Andre, the attorneys chose Brown Rudnick because of its collaborative culture, accessible leadership, and strong experience representing clients in litigation funded by third parties.
How many lawyers joined Brown Rudnick?
Brown Rudnick hired a 34-lawyer intellectual property litigation team. The firm also added seven scientific advisors and approximately 20 business professionals.
Is this Brown Rudnick’s largest group hire?
Yes. The acquisition represents the largest team hire in Brown Rudnick’s history.
Why is Brown Rudnick opening a Silicon Valley office?
The new office strengthens the firm’s ability to serve technology companies, startups, and clients involved in patent and intellectual property litigation.
How did HSF Kramer respond?
HSF Kramer stated that the departures will not change its long-term U.S. growth strategy. The firm said it remains committed to expanding its technology and intellectual property practices.
What does this move mean for the legal industry?
The acquisition reflects a broader BigLaw trend in which firms recruit entire practice groups instead of individual attorneys. This strategy allows firms to expand quickly while strengthening key practice areas such as intellectual property litigation.
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34 Lawyers Make Bold Move to Brown Rudnick first appeared on
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