Former U.S. District Judge Alan Albright has joined A and O Shearman.
He will serve as an intellectual property litigation partner in Austin, Texas.
The move brings a well-known Texas patent judge back to private practice. Albright handled many patent cases while serving on the federal bench.
His arrival adds patent and courtroom experience to A and O Shearman. It also shows the demand for lawyers with strong technology law skills.
Key Takeaways
- Alan Albright has joined A and O Shearman.
- He will work as an intellectual property litigation partner.
- Albright will be based in Austin, Texas.
- He became known for his large patent docket.
- His court once handled about 25% of U.S. patent cases.
- He worked as a patent lawyer before becoming a judge.
- His move adds valuable legal and courtroom experience.
Alan Albright Joins A&O Shearman
A and O Shearman announced Albright’s appointment on September 1.
He will work from the firm’s Austin office. His work will focus on intellectual property litigation.
Albright left the federal bench in April. He had moved from Waco to Austin the year before.
Before becoming a judge, Albright worked as a patent lawyer at Bracewell LLP.
President Donald Trump appointed him to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2018.
Patent cases became a major part of his work there. Now, he is returning to private practice.
Why Alan Albright Became Known for Patent Cases
Albright gained national attention for his patent docket in Waco.
At one point, his court handled about 25% of all U.S. patent cases.
As a result, Waco became a major venue for patent litigation.
Patent owners often filed cases in the Western District of Texas. Albright also became known for moving cases forward quickly.
Therefore, many lawyers and companies watched his rulings.
His work gave him a unique view of patent disputes. He handled major cases from the bench.
Now, he will bring that experience to private practice.
Albright Has Deep Patent Experience
Albright also spent years working as a patent lawyer.
That experience may help clients with intellectual property disputes. His time as a judge also gave him strong knowledge of federal court rules.
Furthermore, he has experience with litigation and legal advice.
Albright said he missed the counseling side of legal practice.
His return gives A and O Shearman both patent and judicial experience.
Albright’s Texas Patent Docket Drew Scrutiny
Albright’s patent docket also faced criticism.
Senators Thom Tillis and Patrick Leahy raised concerns about the number of patent cases in his court.
In a 2021 letter, they questioned whether Waco had become too attractive to patent plaintiffs.
The senators also raised concerns about patent entities that file cases mainly to make money.
The issue later drew attention from the federal judiciary.
Chief Justice John Roberts said the Judicial Conference would review patent venue practices.
However, Albright rejected claims that he encouraged patent litigation in his court.
He also pointed to trial results that he said showed a nearly even split between plaintiffs and defendants.
Waco Patent Cases Changed After 2022
The number of patent cases in Waco later declined.
In 2022, then-Chief Judge Orlando Garcia changed how new patent cases were assigned.
New cases began receiving random assignments.
As a result, fewer cases were concentrated on Albright’s docket.
The Western District of Texas also handled a smaller share of new U.S. patent cases.
According to Unified Patents data, the district accounted for 11.5% of new U.S. patent cases in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Eastern District of Texas accounted for 27.7% of new patent filings.
It became the leading venue for patent cases during that period.
The change shows how court rules can affect where patent lawsuits are filed.
Why A&O Shearman Hired Albright
Albright’s appointment strengthens A and O Shearman’s intellectual property practice.
Laetitia Benard is the firm’s global head of IP litigation.
She highlighted Albright’s experience with major intellectual property and technology disputes.
His background could help clients involved in major patent cases.
It could also help companies facing disputes over complex technology.
Moreover, Albright joins a firm with a global reach.
A and O Shearman was created in 2024.
The firm was formed through the combination of Allen and Overy and Shearman and Sterling.
Its lawyers work with clients across many countries.
That global platform can support disputes that cross national borders.
Austin Remains Important for Patent Litigation
Albright’s arrival also strengthens the firm’s presence in Austin.
Texas remains an important market for technology companies.
It is also a major market for patent litigation.
Federal courts in Texas have handled many major intellectual property disputes.
Therefore, Albright’s Texas patent experience could benefit the firm’s clients.
The move also highlights the value of specialized legal skills.
Lawyers with strong patent and technology experience can help clients with complex disputes.
What Albright’s Move Means for Lawyers
Albright’s career shows how legal expertise can create new opportunities.
Patent litigation requires knowledge of law and technology.
It also requires strong skills in evidence and trial strategy.
As a result, lawyers with these skills can serve clients facing major disputes.
For law students, the move also shows the value of building expertise in one area.
Intellectual property law covers several fields.
These include patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Patent work can require years of focused study and practice.
Meanwhile, former judges can offer law firms a different perspective.
Their court experience can be useful in complex cases.
A Major Addition to A&O Shearman
Alan Albright’s move adds a prominent patent lawyer to A and O Shearman.
His federal court experience also adds value to the firm’s intellectual property team.
Albright handled major patent cases in Texas while serving as a judge.
Before that, he worked as a patent lawyer.
Now, he returns to private practice with experience from both sides of the courtroom.
The appointment also reflects demand for specialized legal talent.
Major law firms continue to seek lawyers with deep experience in key practice areas.
For A and O Shearman, Albright brings valuable patent experience to Austin.
For clients, his background could provide another perspective on patent and technology disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alan Albright?
Alan Albright is a former U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas.
He became known for handling many patent cases in Waco.
Where is Alan Albright working now?
Albright has joined A and O Shearman.
He will serve as an intellectual property litigation partner in Austin, Texas.
Why is Alan Albright known for patent litigation?
Albright became known for his large patent docket in Waco.
At one point, his court handled about 25% of U.S. patent cases.
When did Alan Albright become a federal judge?
President Donald Trump appointed Albright to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2018.
What did Alan Albright do before becoming a judge?
Before joining the federal bench, Albright worked as a patent lawyer at Bracewell LLP.
Why did A and O Shearman hire Alan Albright?
His appointment adds patent and federal court experience to the firm’s intellectual property practice.
His background could also help clients with complex patent disputes.
What happened to the Waco patent docket?
The concentration of patent cases in Waco declined after 2022.
New patent cases began receiving random assignments.
As a result, fewer cases were concentrated on Albright’s docket.
Why is Texas important for patent litigation?
Texas has long been an important venue for patent lawsuits.
Both the Western District of Texas and Eastern District of Texas have handled many patent cases.
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