Laura M. Burson has joined Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group, based in the firm’s Los Angeles office. Burson joins from Kirkland & Ellis in Los Angeles.

Burson focuses on intellectual property litigation and counseling with an emphasis on patent law. She is a registered patent attorney, admitted to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Burson has experience in all phases of litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and appeals involving intellectual property and technology-related matters. Her clients come from a wide array of technology areas, including medical devices, chemicals, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, video games, software and computer-related technology.

“Laura is a well-known and well-regarded patent litigator, who is an excellent addition to our formidable IP practice group. She has represented a variety of leading technology companies and has significant litigation and patent jury trial experience,” said Guy N. Halgren, chairman of Sheppard Mullin.

“I am thrilled to join Sheppard Mullin and have been very impressed by the firm’s strategic vision and growth of the IP practice. I look forward to working closely with my new partners in Los Angeles and firmwide. I am especially excited to again be practicing with several former Lyon & Lyon attorneys, including practice co-chair Steve Korniczky,” Burson commented.

“Laura joins Sheppard Mullin as part of our ongoing strategic goal to expand our patent litigation capabilities in Los Angeles and firmwide. She is an accomplished IP attorney and the latest high profile lateral partner to join our practice group,” said Stephen S. Korniczky, co-chair of Sheppard Mullin’s Intellectual Property practice group.

“We are very fortunate to have Laura on board as we continue to strengthen and deepen our bench of IP attorneys. She is an excellent fit with the firm’s entrepreneurial and collegial culture,” said Nagendra (Nick) Setty, co-chair of Sheppard Mullin’s Intellectual Property practice group.

Burson is also active in pro bono matters and has served as a volunteer prosecutor in criminal jury trials. She currently serves on the boards of directors of LAIPLA and Center for Civic Mediation.

Burson received a J.D. from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 1999, a M.S. in Biological Chemistry from University of California, Irvine in 1994 and a B.A. in Chemistry from Hendrix College in 1991.

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