Brown Rudnick Expands Silicon Valley Presence with Historic 34-Lawyer IP Litigation Team Hire from HSF Kramer

Brown Rudnick has made a landmark move in its growth strategy by securing the largest group lateral hire in the firm’s history. The firm announced today that it has onboarded a 34-lawyer intellectual property litigation team from HSF Kramer, simultaneously inaugurating a new office in Silicon Valley.

The newly acquired team is led by seven partners: Paul Andre, Lisa Kobialka, James Hannah, Kristopher Kastens, and Michael Lee based in Silicon Valley, along with Jonathan Caplan and Aaron Frankel in New York. Collectively, they bring decades of experience in intellectual property litigation and patent prosecution, serving clients in technology, life sciences, and global litigation arenas.

This acquisition represents more than just a lateral move; it is a strategic expansion that enables Brown Rudnick to establish a significant presence in Silicon Valley, one of the nation’s most competitive legal markets. The firm already maintains offices in Orange County and Los Angeles, with the latter added in 2025, reflecting a steady California expansion.

Brown Rudnick CEO and chairman Vince Guglielmotti emphasized the importance of the hire, stating, “We are excited to welcome this exceptional team of intellectual property litigators to our firm. Their stellar reputation in the market for providing sophisticated IP counsel and their deep industry experience strengthens our position as a market leader in technology, life sciences and global litigation. Their arrival underscores Brown Rudnick’s appeal to top-tier lateral partners who want an entrepreneurial platform where they can make an impact.”

Paul Andre, one of the Silicon Valley partners leading the team, highlighted the cultural fit as a key factor in choosing Brown Rudnick. “Brown Rudnick shares our team’s vision for building a globally prominent IP practice. We were attracted to Brown Rudnick’s boutique approach to client service — with partners who know each other, and an entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to litigation funding — where our team can make a strong impact.”

The move illustrates a growing trend in Biglaw where firms pursue group lateral hires to rapidly scale marquee practices. Recruiting an established team with a cohesive working relationship and an existing client base offers immediate momentum compared to individual partner hires.

Brown Rudnick’s expansion into Silicon Valley positions the firm to better serve clients in the technology and life sciences sectors, areas that demand sophisticated intellectual property litigation expertise. The firm’s entrepreneurial culture and collaborative approach are expected to support the new team’s growth and integration.

This strategic development marks a significant milestone for Brown Rudnick, reinforcing its ambitions to be a market leader in intellectual property law and expanding its footprint in key innovation hubs across the United States.

Congratulations are due to Brown Rudnick on securing this historic group hire, and best wishes accompany the team as they embark on this new chapter in Silicon Valley.