Crowell & Moring adds 27 new partners through merger route

Crowell & Moring adds 27 new partners through merger route

Brinks Gilson & Lione merges with Crowell to add tech and intellectual property muscles to the firm and expand its presence in the Midwest US

International law firm Crowell & Moring has announced the firm's merger with Brinks Gilson & Lione, a Chicago-based tech and intellectual property law firm. The merger will enable Washington, D.C.-based Crowell to expand and establish its presence in the Midwest US.

The deal will see 61 Brinks lawyers, including 27 partners join the firm. They include some highly qualified scientific experts. Brink's president Gustavo Siller is set to become co-chair of Crowell's technology and intellectual property department alongside Cheryl Falvey.

Brinks specialises in high-stakes IP litigation. The Brinks team brings with it broad technical and scientific expertise and more than 60 technical degrees.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to expand our reach with one of the most highly respected IP firms in the nation. We are particularly excited about enhancing and extending our collective ability to advise clients on the rapidly-evolving areas of their businesses that are affected – and increasingly transformed – by technology and innovation," Crowell & Moring chair Philip Inglima said.

According to Inglima, Brinks has earned a reputation for protecting well-known corporate brands and complex intellectual property assets in the US and across the globe. "The firm provides exceptional value to clients because of their deep experience in cutting-edge technology and the sciences, and their ability to deliver practical solutions to the most complex IP challenges," Corwell chair added.

Brinks has to its credit success in helping businesses develop and protect innovations in artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, 5G and blockchain spheres.

The merger will be completed this month. The outgoing Brinks president Siller said: "We recognised the significant benefit to our clients and to our practice of joining forces with Crowell & Moring – a firm with shared values and a commitment to exceptional client service."

This is Crowell & Moring's second merger of the year after taking over Wall Street boutique Kibbe & Orbe in April this year, adding in the process 13 partners to its roster. With the Brinks deal, Crowell will now add offices in Chicago and Indianapolis.

"By joining forces with Brinks, we create a powerful network of talent that will strengthen our combined technology practices. With doctorates in life sciences, computer science and electrical engineering, Brinks lawyers know the science inside and out," Falvey said.