Attorney Intel is pleased to announce the Top 25 Attorneys in Technology of 2024. These attorneys are experts in a wide array of areas, from artificial intelligence, blockchain, and machine learning to data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. With years of experience handling high-stakes litigation, complex transactions, and regulatory challenges, they advise a diverse range of clients, from emerging startups to global corporations, ensuring they remain competitive and compliant in an increasingly digital world. Their work spans multiple industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, finance, and energy, where technology is not just a tool, but the cornerstone of innovation and growth.
These attorneys expertly guide companies through the intricacies of patent and trademark laws, mitigate risks associated with emerging technologies, and help businesses navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. Whether negotiating complex M&A deals, defending clients against patent infringement claims, or advising on the commercialization of groundbreaking technologies, they empower clients to seize opportunities while managing potential legal pitfalls. As technology continues to reshape industries, the work of these legal professionals ensures that innovation is protected and managed effectively to drive positive change across the global economy.
Among this year’s awardees, Brad Peterson, Partner at Mayer Brown, is recognized for his more than 25 years of experience in technology transactions, specializing in digital transformation, cloud services, IT outsourcing, and complex enterprise software implementations. Mark Liang, Partner at O'Melveny & Myers, is noted for his leadership in patent litigation, having handled over 80 patent matters in district courts and ITC investigations. Nerissa McGinn, Partner at Loeb & Loeb, is noted for her pioneering work in AI, NFTs, and the metaverse, advising clients on emerging legal challenges in digital media and AI-generated content.
This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical nomination process and careful consideration of each candidate’s career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Attorneys in Technology of 2024.
1. Aarthi Belani
Partner, Baker McKenzie
Aarthi Belani is a Partner in Baker McKenzie’s Palo Alto office. Baker McKenzie is a global law firm with a focus on providing local expertise and global context. Belani’s practice focuses on M&A and venture deals in the tech and life sciences arena. She represents strategic acquirers, especially in cross-border deals, emerging growth technology companies, venture capital funds, and corporate venture capital. She has also represented the sell-side and advised on health care, financial services, and impact investment deals.
Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Belani was a Partner in the M&A practice of an international law firm. Prior to that, she was on the in-house legal team covering strategic M&A at Credit Suisse in New York, where she was also a member of the Sustainability Network, a Credit Suisse OneBank (cross-divisional) initiative to develop impact investment products.
At the start of her career, Belani was an associate in the New York office of another top-tier international law firm for five years, where she worked on complex strategic M&A and innovative development finance. Belani graduated from the NYU School of Law with a JD, from the NYU School of Law Junior Fellowship Institute for International Law and Justice with an LLM, and from Stanford University with an undergraduate degree in international relations, ethics, health and biology.
Aarthi Belani's Insight
“I have been a tech and life sciences deal lawyer since moving back to the Bay Area in late 2013. I tried out being an in-house M&A lawyer for a few years at Credit Suisse in New York. I started my private practice career as an associate in the New York office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. But, my first lawyer job was as an academic fellow at NYU Law. This is all to say, your path does not need to be a bullet train or a boulevard of green lights. You might zig and wend and change markets and dive deeper into segments. The biggest gift of my move back to the Bay Area (which I made because of love – I had met my now-husband and we dated long-distance until I made the move) has been the continuous learning. Sometimes I have needed to understand something about how the way hard sciences get funded has let certain types of innovation fall through the cracks, or how to get an acquisition approved when an ESOP trustee controls a voting bloc, or how to properly engage minor TikTok influencers as startup advisors. There’s always, always, always something new to learn, and new people to meet and work with.”
2. Mark Wittow
Partner, K&L Gates
Mark Wittow is a Partner at K&L Gates in Seattle and formerly led the firm's Technology Transactions practice group within its Intellectual Property practice. He focuses on complex intellectual property, technology and data related transactions, including the acquisition, development, marketing, licensing and distribution of generative AI technologies, cloud-based software and other types of computing and data management services, computing devices, other types of technologies, music, film, and other media content. K&L Gates is a global law firm serving multinational corporations, entrepreneurs, and public sector entities.
Wittow provides advice to clients of all sizes on technology and content development, protection, and licensing in a wide variety of industries, including online education, health care, agriculture, real estate, aerospace and avionics, financial services, fashion and apparel, travel and tourism, and entertainment. Wittow also advises clients on copyright fair use matters, technology litigation settlements, clean room practices for software development, and patent licensing and dispositions.
Wittow has been with K&L Gates since 1989. Prior to joining the firm, Wittow was associate director of state/federal relations for the State of Alaska with responsibility for international trade, energy and natural resource issues, and special assistant to the Alaska Commissioner of Natural Resources with responsibility for oil and gas leasing, oil and gas royalty sales, land disposals, and mining issues. Wittow graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD and from Hampshire College with an undergraduate degree in economics and political theory.
Mark Wittow's Insight
“I enjoy helping clients develop new products and services efficiently and effectively, in a manner that preserves the client’s intellectual property rights and ability to commercialize and improve the product or service. In negotiating transactional documents, I look to protect my client’s interest but also am cognizant of the needs and concerns of the counter-party. Unlike litigation, a successful transaction can have two winners and no losers. I spent many years as a litigator, and sometimes still participate in litigation, but most appreciate finding creative solutions to transactional problems. At the moment, I am seeing a lot of interest in how to most effectively develop and commercialize generative artificial intelligence technologies and provide proper guardrails for the onboarding and use of those technologies.”
3. Nathaniel Bolin
Partner, K&L Gates
Nathaniel Bolin is a Partner at K&L Gates, a global law firm with offices across five continents. The firm represents multinational corporations, growth and middle-market companies, capital markets participants, and various public and private entities across multiple industries. With over 20 years of experience, Bolin advises and represents U.S. and global clients on export controls, economic sanctions, trade remedies, customs and tariffs, and related areas of national security and international trade laws.
Bolin has extensive experience with the trade and national security laws and policies governing advanced and emerging technologies in the aerospace, advanced materials, chemicals, defense, medical, oil and gas, semiconductor, telecommunications, and transportation industries. Bolin also helps clients navigate the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States process and address national security issues related to investments and cross-border transactions.
Since 2009, Bolin has been an adjunct professor at the George Washington University Law School. He teaches courses in international trade law and the U.S. legal system and was previously a visiting scholar. Bolin graduated from George Washington University Law School with a JD, from Stanford University with a master’s degree, and from Kalamazoo College with an undergraduate degree.
Nathaniel Bolin's Insight
“As someone who loves science, engineering, and math, it is a thrill every day to help companies in the aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and advanced and emerging technology industries successfully navigate the complex and ever-changing export control, national security, and trade laws that impact their businesses.”
4. Brad Peterson
Partner, Mayer Brown
Brad Peterson is a Partner at Mayer Brown, an international law firm. Peterson leads the firm’s Technology Transactions practice, which focuses on high-value technology and outsourcing deals. He has over 25 years of experience in digital transformation, cloud services, information technology outsourcing, business process outsourcing, and enterprise software implementations. Peterson has advised on some of the largest ITO, finance and accounting outsourcing, human resources outsourcing, and ERP implementation projects, with a focus on data rights, licensing, ownership, and protection.
With 42 years of experience, Peterson began his career in 1982. Before joining Mayer Brown, he was an associate at Wildman Harrold and before that an associate at Kirkland & Ellis. Earlier in his career he worked with IBM as a marketing representative. Peterson holds a JD in law from Harvard Law School, an MBA in accounting and marketing from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and an undergraduate degree in computer studies from Northwestern University.
Brad Peterson's Insight
“We are at the end of the beginning for technology lawyers. Every company is now a technology company and technology permeates every part of law. Our mission has moved from off-stage to center stage.”
5. Chris Adams
Partner, Squire Patton Boggs
Chris Adams is a Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, a global law firm. With nearly 20 years of experience in intellectual property (IP) and technology law, and over a decade in the information technology (IT) industry, Adams advises both emerging entities and global companies on complex IP, artificial intelligence, and technology matters. He helps clients create, protect, commercialize, license, and, when necessary, enforce patents and other forms of IP.
Before joining the firm, Adams gained hands-on IT industry experience at several Northern Virginia federal government IT solutions providers. His experience extends across all phases of the software development life cycle, as well as other IT areas, and he holds numerous industry certifications. Adams graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law with a JD in law and from William and Mary with an undergraduate degree in chemistry.
Chris Adams's Insight
“I have a great job. I get to tackle big legal challenges for technology-focused clients every day; that is the main ingredient in keeping my practice lively and varied. Adding in the opportunity to work with brilliant colleagues and dedicated administrative staff gives me added energy to provide top-notch legal help to our clients. The final ingredient to my job satisfaction is paying it forward by mentoring younger colleagues and making a real impact in our community through pro bono work.”
6. Marc Martin
Partner, Perkins Coie
Marc Martin is a Partner at Perkins Coie, an international law firm providing a wide range of legal services, including corporate, litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory advice. The firm serves a diverse client base, including leading companies and public organizations across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Martin offers guidance to leading technology, media, and telecom companies on transactional and regulatory matters. He structures, negotiates, and provides strategic counseling for telecom, media, and technology transactions, including licensing and distribution agreements, joint ventures, technology procurement agreements, and other matters involving information technology assets, telecommunications facilities and spectrum licenses, and programming and digital media.
Previously, Martin was a Partner at K&L Gates and before that a VP, General Counsel and Secretary at Convera Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with the Federal Communications Commission as an attorney adviser. Martin earned a JD in law from the Syracuse University College of Law, an LLM in international and comparative law from Georgetown University Law Center, and an undergraduate degree in studio art and European intellectual history from Connecticut College.
Marc Martin's Insight
“Since I was a junior attorney, I’ve always believed that if I won the lottery, I would still be doing what I do. I love working closely with clients in solving problems, figuring out the best strategy and getting them to their desired goal as effectively and quickly as possible. I also love working with clients that are trying to innovate, disrupt and change the market, if not the world. I see my role as helping them make that happen.”
7. John Hutchins
Partner, Baker & Hostetler
John Hutchins is a Partner at Baker & Hostetler. With over 30 years of first-chair trial and litigation experience, Hutchins has handled cases across a wide range of subjects, including software, eminent domain, privacy class actions, and death penalty habeas corpus. He has significant experience in privacy and data security, technology, intellectual property, government procurement, restrictive covenants, and breach of fiduciary duty.
Hutchins has tried numerous cases in state and federal courts, as well as arbitrations and other proceedings. He also frequently represents hospitals and other healthcare organizations in “Pixel” class action lawsuits and other clients in various industries in data breach class actions in federal and state courts around the country.
Previously, Hutchins was a Partner at Troutman Sanders and before that a Partner at McKenna Long & Aldridge. Earlier in his career he worked with Hicks Maloof & Campbell as an associate. Hutchins holds a JD in law from the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of South Carolina.
John Hutchins's Insight
“I’m a veteran trial and technology lawyer. I started practicing technology law before email, widespread adoption of client-server, commercial availability of the Internet, adoption of privacy laws or commercialization of generative AI. I was a tech lawyer in Atlanta before there were very many people in Atlanta calling themselves a tech lawyer. I have broad tech-related experience encompassing complex commercial and intellectual property litigation and trial work, privacy and data security, and compliance and strategic counseling on technology matters and transactions.”
8. Mark Liang
Partner, O'Melveny & Myers
Mark Liang is a Partner at O'Melveny & Myers, where he focuses his practice on patent and technology- related litigation. Liang has experience in all stages of patent cases, including claim construction, fact and expert discovery, dispositive motions, trial, post-trial, and appeal. He represents clients in federal courts, the International Trade Commission, and United States Patent and Trademark Office, including reexaminations and inter partes review (IPR).
Mark has litigated over 80 patent matters in district courts, five ITC investigations, and over fifty IPRs and reexamination proceedings. He has served as lead counsel in IPR matters and been part of successful trial teams in districts such as the Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, the District of Delaware, and at the ITC. Liang has argued numerous hearings, taken and defended dozens of depositions, and briefed and argued appeals at the Federal Circuit.
Mark has a background in electrical engineering and leverages his expertise to assist clients across a number of technical fields, including telecommunications, signal processing, multimedia, computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality, computer hardware, electronics, internet technologies, display technologies, machine learning, neural networks, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor/chip structures and fabrication.
Mark handles trade secret matters and advises on software copyright and technology standards matters, including F/RAND damages and obligations to standards setting organizations. His recent experience also includes AI and data scraping litigation, and developing AI policies for clients. He is a faculty member for Practising Law Institute and Strafford, and regular contributor to the firm’s artificial intelligence hub and client alerts.
Mark Liang's Insight
“Working as an attorney for the tech industry has always been rewarding since I started many years ago. On the one hand, it’s given me the opportunity to constantly learn about new technologies and industries, while collaborating with leading experts, innovators, academics, and companies. On the other, it’s given me the chance to serve as an advocate for my clients and develop a strong record of successes and victories. And it’s an especially exciting time now to be an attorney in the tech space given the many emerging technologies, from AI, advances in semiconductor and chip technologies, to continuing improvements in telecommunications and electronics.”
9. Ali Dhanani
Partner, Baker Botts
Ali Dhanani is a Partner at Baker Botts, an international law firm recognized for its expertise in the energy, technology, and life sciences sectors. Dhanani advises media and telecommunications companies on protecting intellectual property and defending against patent infringement claims, particularly in competitor patent cases.
Dhanani has defended companies in disputes relating to set-top boxes and over-the-top delivery of media content over the internet, telecommunications, Internet of Things, oilfield tools, and a variety of software technologies. He also helps companies develop their software technology portfolio, particularly in implementing and integrating Internet of Things technologies.
Dhanani is a team leader at the Honorable Nancy F. Atlas Intellectual Property American Inn of Court and teaches the Procedure of Patent Litigation course as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Houston Law Center. He graduated from the University of Houston Law Center with a JD and from the University of Houston with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
Ali Dhanani's Insight
“Handling our client’s most important issues and seeing the productive advancements of their business and the area of technology has been extremely rewarding as an attorney in this field.”
10. Keith Bae
Partner, Shook Hardy & Bacon L.L.P
Keith Bae is a Partner at Shook Hardy & Bacon. He concentrates on the preparation, prosecution and licensing of patent applications in the computer software, telecommunications, electrical and mechanical arts. Bae advises clients in complex technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, natural language processing, and blockchain. He regularly prepares patent applications, provides noninfringement and invalidity opinions, and advises clients on trademarks, copyrights in software, software development agreements, and proprietary and open source licenses.
Bae has a background in computer science and began his career as a software developer and technology consultant for various internet startups and a financial consulting company. After earning his degree in computer science, he developed cryptography applications as a software engineer at a multinational telecommunications company. During law school, Bae interned with law firms and a global internet domain broker, handling trademark infringement, click-fraud, and breach of contract disputes.
After graduating from law school, Bae worked as a patent attorney at the Office of Naval Research, where he developed patent prosecution skills and assisted the Department of Justice with patent infringement litigation, trade secret claims, and contract provisions. Bae also worked with universities and contractors on matters related to the Bayh-Dole Act, technology transfer, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements. He is also the principal author of a technology and legal news resource covering blockchain technology.
Keith Bae's Insight
“My work in technology law focuses on helping clients understand their competitive landscape and be prepared for any situation, whether it involves building a defensive portfolio or leveraging IP for growth. I’m passionate about guiding clients through the unique challenges of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and open source licensing, ensuring they have practical, strategic advice to thrive in today’s fast-moving tech world.”
11. Angela Kung
Partner, Mintz
Angela Kung is a Partner in Mintz’s Technology, Communications and Media Section, leveraging her extensive knowledge of the wireless regulatory landscape and experience at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to advise clients on FCC rules and compliance. Mintz is a law firm known for its expertise in litigation and business solutions across sectors such as life sciences, private equity, energy, and technology. The firm provides clients with expert advice, IP protection, deal negotiations, financing, and solutions to complex legal challenges.
Earlier in her career, Kung served as a lead attorney for the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II Auction, which awarded $1.5 billion in government subsidies over 10 years to more than 100 winning bidders committed to delivering fixed broadband and voice services to over 700,000 locations in 45 states. She also served as a member of the team tasked with implementing the Nation’s first Broadcast Incentive Auction.
Prior to joining Mintz, Kung was a member of the General Counsel team charged with oversight of the largest realignment of radio spectrum ever attempted by the FCC. Kung graduated from American University Washington College of Law with a JD in law and from the University of Michigan with an undergraduate degree in economics.
Angela Kung's Insight
"Practicing law in the technology, communications, and media space has been both a challenging and rewarding experience, but one of the things I am most proud of is launching the “NextGenFem” initiative at Mintz to bring together and empower emerging women leaders in the industry."
12. Christopher A. Suarez
Partner, Steptoe LLP.
Christopher A. Suarez is a Partner at Steptoe LLP, specializing in the intersection of law and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. He is a frequent author and speaker on AI-related topics and co-edited a book on the legal, policy, and practical challenges of artificial intelligence. Suarez advises clients on AI governance, policy, model review, and risk management.
Suarez holds an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT and received his JD from Yale Law School. He is a former law clerk to Judge Timothy B. Dyk of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and is the current secretary of the American Bar Association’s Science and Technology Law Section.
Christopher Suarez's Insight
“It’s an exciting time to be a technology lawyer, and I love it! As increases in computing power and wireless connectivity make AI and the IoT more accessible to the masses, interesting legal issues spanning IP, privacy, cybersecurity, and ethics are taking root. I enjoy helping my clients manage risk in these emerging (and uncertain!) areas, and helping them litigate their matters when necessary. With an electrical engineering and computer science background, I also enjoy being an intermediary between engineers and both legal and compliance teams, translating technical concepts as needed.”
13. Lee Fraley
Partner, Snell & Wilmer
Lee Fraley is a Partner at Snell & Wilmer, a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 16 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals, and entrepreneurs. Fraley is a legal strategist focusing on helping clients navigate and address their intellectual property law needs.
Fraley offers clients intellectual property counseling, IP rights enforcement and defense, and solution-focused negotiation of IP-related transactions and acquisitions. He provides clients with practical, solution-focused IP advice to support their business needs. Fraley graduated from Duquesne University School of Law with a JD in law, from Duquesne University with an MBA, and from the West Virginia Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.
Lee Fraley's Insight
“I am blessed to have stumbled into an Intellectual Property and Technology career where my engineering and technical skills and background mesh with my desire to consult and assist others. Working with bright clients who continuously innovate continues to get me excited and make this career one that I am so thankful to have been a part of the past 27 years.”
14. Tom Zych
Partner, Thompson Hine
Tom Zych is a Partner and Co-Chair of Thompson Hine’s Privacy and Cybersecurity team and chairs the firm's Emerging Technologies practice. Thompson Hine LLP is a full-service business law firm. Zych has over 40 years of experience in a wide range of competition, data protection, intellectual property, consumer protection, social media and antitrust matters. He represents a full range of business enterprises in their privacy and data security operations.
Zych’s privacy and data security practice includes strategic counseling on compliance with domestic and international privacy and data protection laws and regulations, data incident prevention and response, designing and implementing information management programs, advice on electronic marketing and product distribution, and government investigations and actions.
Zych’s technology practice focuses on providing strategic counseling to both mature and early stage technology ventures, including online and in-store retaining and distribution, biotechnology and bioinformatics ventures, and established businesses adopting electronic and technologically advanced means of competition. He graduated from the Duke University School of Law with a JD and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree.
Tom Zych's Insight
"In my 41+ years of practice, I have focused on assisting clients in harnessing the competitive advantages presented by new technologies while navigating the challenges of complying with the ever-multiplying regulatory landscape, both domestically and abroad. With over twenty years of experience leading our cybersecurity and privacy practice, and forty years as a competition lawyer, I have had the privilege of participating in the massive technological changes we have experienced and helping our clients make the most of these opportunities."
15. Brian Park
Partner, Stoel Rives
Brian C. Park is a litigation Partner and the current Chair of the Stoel Rives’ Technology and Intellectual Property Group. Brian has served on the firm's Executive Committee, Practice Management Committee, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He has also chaired the IP Committee of the Federal Bar Association of the U.S. District for the Western District of Washington for a decade.
As a registered patent attorney, Brian specializes in high-stakes litigation, protecting clients’ critical assets including technologies, brands, business deals, secrets, and creative work product. He offers comprehensive IP services, advising on a wide range of legal strategies and monetizing assets through commercial agreements. He has deep experience with all forms of offensive and defensive patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, and advertising matters.
Beyond IP, Brian is experienced in complex commercial litigation, handling cases involving contract disputes, unfair competition, and corporate espionage. His technical knowledge spans various fields, including mechanical, chemical, electrical, life sciences, computer science, brand management, and industrial engineering. He has represented a diverse client base, from small privately held companies to large global corporations.
Brian Park's Insight
"I have been honored to lead a formidable, diverse team of technology/intellectual property attorneys and professionals focused on IP protection, monetization, and dispute resolution. We take pride in serving as proactive, trusted advisors to clients in all industry sectors and stages of growth. Through actionable advice and strategic legal solutions, our clients’ successes are aligned with our own in the rapidly developing information age and innovation economy."
16. Nerissa McGinn
Partner, Loeb & Loeb
Nerissa Coyle McGinn is a Partner at Loeb & Loeb, focusing on the convergence of advertising and promotions, artificial intelligence, emerging media, technology, privacy and intellectual property law. More recently, she has focused her practice on counseling clients on legal issues related to NFTs and in the metaverse, including issues on enforcing and exploiting their existing rights.
Nerissa also advises clients on the development and implementation of AI policies, addressing concerns such as intellectual property, data privacy and regulatory compliance. She frequently counsels on issues related to AI-generated content, including managing the risks posed by deep-fakes and other emerging AI technologies.
Nerissa also has particular experience advising on matters involving digital advertising and promotions including on social media platforms, loyalty programs, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and the Children’s Advertising Review Unit. Her clients range from well-known brands to start-up digital companies and app developers. Taking a business-minded approach, she helps clients develop new brand assets and promote their products.
Nerissa McGinn's Insight
“I am honored to have been named one of the Top Technology Attorneys of 2024 – a year that has seen so many changes in technology law including over 700 new AI bills introduced across the United States and major changes in state privacy law. And I am sure there will be more to come next year!”
17. Kristopher Kastens
Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel
Kristopher Kastens is a Partner at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, a law firm headquartered in New York with additional offices in Silicon Valley, Washington, D.C., and Paris. The firm provides a range of legal services to address complex challenges across various industries and is committed to community and public service.
Kastens advises and represents clients on issues at the intersection of law and technology. He represents clients in patent litigation across multiple technology areas, including computer security, cryptography, artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and network infrastructure. He also advises on the various legal issues intertwined with the development of blockchain technologies and has been a frequent author on blockchain-based technologies and the law.
Previously, Kastens was an associate at King & Spalding. Earlier in his career he worked with Perkins Coie as a law clerk. Kastens earned a JD from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco and an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, and information systems from The Ohio State University.
Kristopher Kastens's Insight
“I advise on technology law, driven by a deep passion for technology itself. I firmly believe that effective legal counsel in this field requires a thorough understanding of the technology involved. My experience includes multiple trial victories in high-stakes patent litigations across diverse technology sectors, such as computer security, cryptography, AI, big data, distributed systems, and network infrastructure. As a proponent of blockchain technologies, I have assisted clients in the crypto space with various legal issues related to the development of innovative blockchain solutions. Additionally, I have authored papers exploring the intersection of patents and blockchain, contributing to the ongoing dialogue in this rapidly evolving area.”
18. Nathaniel Lucek
Partner, Hodgson Russ
Nathaniel Lucek a Partner at Hodgson Russ, a full-service law firm with more than 200 attorneys serving individuals, public companies, privately held businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit institutions from its offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, New York City, Toronto, and Palm Beach.
Lucek leads the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice and assists clients with intellectual property, contract, and corporate matters. Much of Lucek’s practice focuses on patent law, including the preparation and prosecution of patent applications, due diligence projects for mergers and acquisitions, and opinion work. Lucek also regularly advises clients on intellectual property strategy issues.
Prior to joining Hodgson Russ, Lucek served as in-house intellectual property counsel at a semiconductor capital equipment manufacturer. There, his responsibilities included patent preparation and prosecution, patent and trademark portfolio management, patent reexamination, patent infringement matters, due diligence projects, negotiating license agreements, managing government contracts, and opinion work.
Lucek also played a key role in managing aspects of a multibillion-dollar acquisition. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire School of Law with a JD and from Clarkson University with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
19. John Yates
Partner, Morris Manning & Martin
John C. Yates is a Partner at Morris, Manning & Martin, where he launched the firm’s technology practice over 35 years ago. He has focused exclusively on technology law since 1981. Morris, Manning & Martin is a full-service law firm with national and international reach, providing a wide range of legal services to clients across various industries. Under John’s leadership, the firm’s technology practice has represented over 1,000 tech companies, offering legal and corporate services to startups, growing tech companies, and investors.
John also co-founded the Southeastern Software Association, the Southeastern Medical Device Association, the Technology Association of Georgia, the Tech Executives Roundtable, and Tech Leaders Forum. Previously, Yates was a Partner at Asbill, Porter, Churchill & Nellis. Earlier in his career he worked with Harman, Asbill, Roach & Nellis as an associate. Yates earned a JD in law from Duke University School of Law and an undergraduate degree in public policy studies and history from Duke University.
John Yates's Insight
“I launched Morris, Manning & Martin’s technology practice 37 years ago and have practiced exclusively in this area since 1981. As Partner and Co-Chair, I lead MMM’s technology practice and have represented more than 1,000 tech companies, including start-ups, growing tech businesses, and investors. I am excited to continue supporting the firm’s growth for years to come.”
19. Paul Arne
Partner, Morris Manning & Martin
Paul H. Arne is a Partner of the Technology Transactions practice at Morris, Manning & Martin, a full-service law firm with national and international reach. Arne advises clients in legal and business issues involving computer technology and the internet, with a special emphasis on complex transactions and difficult legal issues. He also founded and chairs the firm's open source group.
Arne represents technology companies and large end users, with a particular emphasis on complex, outsourcing matters, international transactions, open source software, privacy, university technology transfer, and revenue recognition issues. Arne graduated from Duke University School of Law with a JD in law and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
Paul Arne's Insight
“I began practicing law the year the IBM PC was introduced, and since before the internet was released for business use, I have devoted my practice to transactions that involve technology. It has been my pleasure to help clients of all sorts and all sizes over years of massive technological change and of an ever-changing legal landscape.”
20. Garner Weng
Partner, Hanson Bridgett
Garner Weng is a Partner at Hanson Bridgett, where he focuses on intellectual property and technology. Weng’s clients include a range of industries, such as a multibillion-dollar computer-peripherals company, a leading energy company, a Fortune 500 retailer, public transit agencies, and the world’s largest nut processing company, among others. He also serves outside general counsel to industry trade associations and standards organizations, as well as advising governmental entities on intellectual property and technology issues.
Weng has significant experience in handling large-scale litigation, where his approach is focused on balancing effective defense with cost efficiency. In one case, he successfully defended a patent-infringement lawsuit seeking millions in damages while keeping legal fees under $200,000 over a period of 15 months.
Weng has also contributed to the firm’s pursuit of diversity goals. He was a long-standing member of the Management Committee, chairing the Emerging Companies Group, which focuses on early-stage and middle-stage companies and on technology matters. He was also a member of the Recruiting Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, through which he was a contributing author to the strategic plan.
In addition to his legal practice, Weng is an active speaker and writer on intellectual property, technology law, and diversity in the legal field. He has held leadership positions in professional associations and minority bar organizations, including serving as President of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area and Co-Chair of the California Minority Counsel Program. He is also dedicated to community service, leading workshops for underrepresented law students and working on pro bono legal matters.
21. Sarah Zhao
Partner, Rimon Law
Sarah Zhao is a Partner at Rimon Law, a firm that operates across twelve countries and five continents, providing legal expertise in areas including corporate law, litigation, tax, intellectual property, entertainment, and private client services. Zhao has substantial experience in international transactions with an emphasis on technology transactions, data protection, privacy and cybersecurity from both regulatory and corporate perspectives.
Zhao’s counsel includes advising major companies on international and China’s cybersecurity, privacy and data protection legal environment, establishing data protection policies and compliance programs, conducting due diligence on data security for mergers and acquisitions, handling data breaches, and advising on compliance matters related to existing rules and regulations.
For more than 20 years, Zhao has advised private companies, trade associations, and government officials on foreign investment in China, the United States, Europe, and a number of Asian countries. She has also advocated for enhanced business environments for foreign companies in China. During the course of her career, her efforts have resulted in several cumbersome Chinese internet and wireless rules being either amended or abolished.
Before her legal career, Zhao worked as a journalist. She has also worked at the current Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, which is equivalent to the FCC in the United States. Zhao graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law with a JD, from Indiana University Bloomington with a master’s degree in journalism, and from Beijing Language and Culture University with an undergraduate degree in English literature.
Sarah Zhao's Insight
“Evolving new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), possess the potential to wreak massive changes – both positive and negative – upon society. This obligates us to work closer than ever with developing industries and regulators throughout the world in order to ensure that the emerging innovations are channeled onto pathways designed to benefit all of humanity.”
21. Zheng Liu
Partner, Rimon Law
Zheng (Jen) Liu is a Partner in the Intellectual Property and Litigation groups at Rimon Law, a global law firm providing legal expertise in areas including corporate law, litigation, tax, intellectual property, entertainment, and private client services. Liu is an accomplished technology and intellectual property litigator and counselor with more than 20 years of experience.
Liu frequently represents Asian technology companies and Silicon Valley startups, handling complex litigation and serving as outside general counsel for various legal and technology issues related to doing business in the U.S. In addition to advocating for clients in court, Liu offers practical legal advice to help reduce risks and improve business operations.
Liu’s clients include well-known companies such as Alibaba, Xiaomi, and XPeng Motors, including her notable representation of XPeng Motors in a lawsuit against Tesla. Beyond her client work, Liu is active in pro bono efforts, teaching Asian Americans and women about their legal rights, and mentoring young lawyers and professionals in career development.
21. Dror Futter
Partner, Rimon Law
Dror Futter is a Partner at the Rimon Law, where his practice focuses on venture capital and technology law. He represents both ventures and investors. Futter has been both the general counsel of a venture capital fund and the general counsel of a venture-backed software company. Previously, he was a divisional counsel to the Chief Information Officer of Lucent Technology.
Futter is a member of the legal advisory board of the Angel Capital Association and was part of the committee that drafted its new form of convertible notes. He was a long-time member of the NVCA model forms drafting committee and co-chairs the Practicing Law Institute’s Venture Capital Law seminar. He is a frequent speaker and writer on technology and venture capital topics such as artificial intelligence and blockchain and serves as a mentor at Princeton’s Keller Center and the Stevens Venture Center at the Stevens Institute of Technology.
Dror Futter's Insight
“I’ve been on all sides of the technology law ecosystem - law firm and in-house, working for a venture fund and a startup. What makes the practice so much fun is that tech attracts really smart people - very often with incredible vision. In addition, new technologies often stretch existing legal principles and helping clients navigate evolving legal areas is especially rewarding.”
22. Robert Braun
Partner, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell
Robert Braun is a Partner at Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell, a full service law firm of approximately 120 lawyers. With over 40 years of experience, Braun has represented a variety of companies in technology transactions, including privacy and security matters. His initial clients were banks and other financial institutions in the process of navigating deregulation, as well as the modernization of the technology utilized by financial institutions.
As California adopted the first data breach notification law, Braun shifted his focus to privacy and security obligations. He continues to address the complexities of the California Consumer Privacy Act, as well as privacy regulations adopted by states, federal agencies, and foreign governments. Braun helps clients comply with evolving legal and business requirements while ensuring the protection of individuals' privacy.
Previously, Braun was an associate at Fried Frank. Earlier in his career he worked with Stroock & Stroock & Lavan as an associate. Braun earned a JD in law from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law and an undergraduate degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
23. Shannon Boettjer
Partner, Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP
Shannon Boettjer is a Partner at Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP, a premier full-service law firm in the New York region and Long Island community. Boettjer focuses on defending and prosecuting complex, high-stakes business, commercial, and civil litigation matters with experience representing clients in breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, shareholder disputes, tortious interference with contracts or business relationships, lender liability, antitrust, unfair business practices, and insurance coverage litigations in state and federal courts.
Boettjer has further extensive experience defending global manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies in class action employment disputes, consumer class actions, product liability, mass tort, and qui tam actions. Most recently, Boettjer has begun representing cannabis business clients on issues related to licensing, financing, investing, and litigation in the cannabis industry.
Prior to joining Jaspan, Boettjer was a Senior Counsel at an international law firm, where she specialized in insurance coverage litigation and arbitration under Bermuda Form policies. Boettjer now represents insurers and policyholders in coverage disputes arising from commercial general liability, general liability, professional liability, errors and omissions, D&O, and excess and umbrella policies.
Boettjer has broad experience advising insurance, corporate, and individual clients about insurance contract drafting and interpretation and risk management. Prior to attending law school, Boettjer earned her master’s degree in teaching.
Shannon Boettjer's Insight
“As a lawyer for the 21st century, I focus on harnessing cutting-edge technology to drive innovation and value to the business and practice of law. With decades of complex litigation experience, it’s incredibly rewarding to advise clients on technology matters, digital transformation, data management, and artificial intelligence and to be part of a rapidly evolving legal landscape. I am honored to be recognized as a finalist for the Top Technology Attorneys of 2024 and I look forward to exploring the transformative role that technology will continue to play in our profession.”
24. Jeremy Bisdorf
Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Jeremy Bisdorf is a Partner at Taft Stettinius & Hollister, providing strategic legal and business advice to help clients maximize the value of their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary information. He serves as general counsel and trusted advisor to privately-held businesses across various industries. Bisdorf currently chairs Taft’s Technology and Artificial Intelligence industry group.
In his practice, Bisdorf counsels clients on contracts, national and international intellectual property protection, business negotiations, licensing matters, business formation issues, corporate governance, ownership transfers, and tax planning strategies. Bisdorf has assisted clients in establishing sound web-based business practices and has represented both licensors and licensees in the negotiation of technology-based joint ventures, outsourcing relationships, SaaS, and procurement and sales agreements serving clients in the software, e-commerce, health care, and franchising industries.
Bisdorf is the attorney of record on over 1,700 United States trademark registrations and applications and manages the international trademark and copyright portfolios of several large businesses.
Jeremy Bisdorf's Insight
“Every day for the last twenty-five years I have made decisions that are oriented to better serving business professionals in the technology industry, an area about which I have always been passionate. The industry itself has changed many times over the course of my career, but the underlying skills required to be a value-add to others have not. Understanding the marketplace, meeting deadlines, realistically assessing risk, presenting potential options, and being a dependable and clear communicator are timeless skills."
25. Josh Lawler
Partner, Zuber Lawler
Josh Lawler is the Partner of Zuber Lawler, a law firm with over 40 attorneys representing clients throughout the world from offices in Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, and Silicon Valley. The firm’s clients include more than 15 Fortune 500 companies, as well as funds and government entities, with a focus on IP, regulatory work, class actions, and M&A.
With nearly 25 years of experience, Lawler has practiced as a litigator, mediator, and corporate attorney focused on mergers and acquisitions, finance, intellectual property, and commercial transactions at firms like Skadden Arps and Zuber Lawler. Today, his practice focuses on finance, mergers and acquisitions, securities law, and technology transactions. He is also an equity partner and the leader of the New Technology Group at Zuber Lawler.
Before joining Zuber Lawler, Lawler was a transactional associate at Skadden Arps. Earlier in his career he worked with Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro as an associate. Lawler graduated from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law with a JD in law and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in psychology and history.
Josh Lawler's Insight
“First and foremost, I’m an evangelist for technology. We see new applications almost daily that can solve many global challenges. The law has a tough time keeping up, however. We take a holistic approach to helping our clients navigate legal issues often created by regulatory ambiguity both in the United States and abroad. That involves really understanding the technology at a granular level in order to identify and address legal issues that may not be obvious. We then evaluate how and where a client can operate in order to stay compliant without unduly interfering with their business model. Where legal ambiguity prevents certainty, we look to mitigate potential risks. We perform these services with a keen eye on the fund-raising process, as well as eventual exit transactions. I’m fortunate that our firm, Zuber Lawler, allows a great deal of flexibility in working with clients to achieve results where other firms may decline representation over perceived regulatory risk.”
