A&O Shearman is aggressively expanding its US patent litigation practice with the hiring of former federal judge Alan D Albright, a move intended to bolster the firm’s capabilities in the American market. Albright, who recently stepped down from the Western District of Texas bench, will join the practice in Austin, Texas. The firm has long been known for its patent work in Europe, but this hire signals a significant push to compete with US leaders in the field.
Albright served as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas from 2018 until his resignation in August. For many years, his court in Waco handled the majority of US patent cases, including numerous non-practising entity lawsuits. The redistribution of patent cases amongst judges in the district occurred in 2022 after widespread criticism of his concentration of cases. The legal community has been watching closely as the Western District of Texas loses its status as a dominant venue for patent disputes, with experts predicting a shift toward the Eastern District of Texas and the Unified Patent Court.
Before his judicial appointment, Albright spent over three decades in private practice. He worked as an IP litigator and partner at Bracewell from 1999 to 2018, having previously practiced from 1986 to 1992. He also served as a US magistrate judge in Western Texas from 1992 to 1999. Albright is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and was nominated to the federal bench by President Donald Trump in 2018.
The firm, formed in 2024 following the merger of Allen & Overy and Shearman & Sterling, has been building out its US teams since the combination. While the merged entity focuses on antitrust, M&A, and capital markets, its patent practice has historically relied on the European team from Allen & Overy. Today, the firm operates with recognized teams in the UK, France, and Germany, serving major clients such as Bayer, MSD, and Samsung. [1]Patent holders must also handle complex procedural requirements to maintain their intellectual property rights.
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The addition of Albright is the first of several key appointments expected in the US practice. The firm’s leadership believes his presence will help it catch up to market leaders like Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins. “Alan’s arrival significantly deepens our trial and disputes capabilities in Austin, across Texas, and throughout the US,” says Adam Hakki, co-chair of the global executive committee and US chair.
Laëtitia Bénard, the Paris-based global head of IP litigation, noted that few judges in America have handled more patent litigation than Albright. His experience will be essential for clients facing complex technology disputes. The firm hopes this hire marks the beginning of a broader effort to integrate its European strength with a more robust US trial team.
Albright brings a wealth of experience to the new role. His background includes a fellowship at the American College of Trial Lawyers and a nomination to the federal bench by President Donald Trump. The firm aims to use his expertise to challenge established competitors in the US legal setting.
