Alan Albright A&O Shearman IP Partner: Ex-Judge Joins Austin Office

• U.S. District Judge Alan Albright has joined A&O Shearman as an intellectual property partner.
• Albright, formerly of the Western District of Texas, will be based in the firm's Austin office.
• He was appointed to the federal bench in 2018 and stepped down in late August.
• During his judicial tenure, he presided over one of the busiest patent dockets in the U.S., handling nearly 25% of national patent lawsuits at one point.
• Before becoming a judge, Albright practiced IP law for almost two decades.

This move positions A&O Shearman to offer enhanced capabilities in A&O Shearman patent litigation, leveraging Albright's unique perspective as a former federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Alan Albright, a prominent figure in federal intellectual property litigation, has transitioned from the bench to private practice, joining A&O Shearman as an intellectual property partner. The firm formally announced this significant appointment in a press release issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Albright, who previously served as a federal judge in Texas, will be based in the firm's Austin, Texas office, marking a notable expansion of A&O Shearman's IP capabilities in the region.

This move sees a former federal judge join a global law firm, bringing extensive judicial experience directly into client representation. Albright's new role as an Alan Albright A&O Shearman IP partner is expected to bolster the firm's already robust intellectual property practice, particularly in the complex and high-stakes arena of patent litigation. The announcement, which was also covered by legal news outlets like Law360, underscores the strategic importance of this hire for A&O Shearman's presence in the U.S. and its global IP offerings.

Before his transition to A&O Shearman, Alan Albright served with distinction on the federal bench, having been appointed as a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas in 2018. During his tenure, which concluded when he stepped down in late August, Judge Albright became synonymous with patent litigation. He presided over one of the nation's most active dockets for patent cases, a fact highlighted by Bloomberg Law, which reported that at one point, he was responsible for adjudicating nearly a quarter of all patent lawsuits filed across the country.

This concentration of patent cases in the Western District of Texas under Judge Albright's purview, while making his court a central forum for such disputes, also drew considerable scrutiny. Tech companies and various political figures voiced criticism regarding the high volume of patent litigation channeled through his district. Prior to his judicial appointment, Albright had already established a substantial career in intellectual property law, practicing in the field for nearly two decades, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of IP disputes.

The addition of Alan Albright as an A&O Shearman IP partner represents a significant strategic enhancement for the firm's global intellectual property practice. Laëtitia Bénard, A&O Shearman's global head of IP litigation, emphasized the unparalleled experience Albright brings, noting that "Few, if any, judges in America have handled more patent litigation than Alan." She further highlighted his track record of presiding over many of the country's most significant IP and technology disputes, underscoring the invaluable insight his experience will provide to clients navigating complex cases. Bénard also expressed enthusiasm for welcoming him to the firm's growing Austin office.

Albright himself articulated the compelling reasons for his move, citing A&O Shearman's leading disputes practice, its established relationships and expertise across the technology sector, and its expanding presence in Texas. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the firm's talented teams, aiming to assist clients in navigating intricate patent and technology disputes not only within the U.S. but also on a global scale. This move positions A&O Shearman to offer enhanced capabilities in A&O Shearman patent litigation, leveraging Albright's unique perspective as a former federal judge.

Lawyers and compliance officers involved in complex intellectual property and patent litigation, particularly within the Western District of Texas, should note A&O Shearman's significantly enhanced capabilities. This move provides the firm with unparalleled insight into patent court strategies and judicial perspectives, potentially influencing choice of counsel or litigation strategy when facing or considering A&O Shearman for such disputes.

Source: Reporting based on A&O Shearman's announcement.