Pillsbury Expands Austin Presence with Renowned IP Team

AUSTIN—Pillsbury today announced the addition of a four-partner team to the firm’s Intellectual Property practice. Based in Austin, Texas, Edward Cavazos, Barry Shelton, Michael Chibib and Conor Civins join Pillsbury from Bracewell & Giuliani and are expected to be accompanied by six associates. This 10-lawyer IP team marks a significant development for one of the firm’s newest offices.

“The addition of Ed, Barry, Mike and Conor demonstrates our commitment to serving the thriving Texas and global IP market,” said Jack Barufka, firmwide leader of Pillsbury’s IP practice. “They have a unique diversity of experience and knowledge across industries, and Pillsbury’s global platform will support their strong relationships in the technology community.”

All veteran IP practitioners, the partners handle litigation, administrative and transactional matters in all areas of the intellectual property space. Their experience spans the technology, engineering, telecommunications and electronics sectors and comprises IP portfolio counseling, complex commercial litigation, jury trials and proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

“This is a world-class IP team. Bringing on talent like this demonstrates Pillsbury’s deepening commitment to our technology practice, our technology clients and to growing in the Texas market. This is a strong strategic fit for Pillsbury as we build a preeminent Austin IP practice.” said partner Jim Rishwain. “This talented group makes our firm stronger for our clients for decades to come. This is just one of many dynamic and bold steps Pillsbury will be taking in Texas.”

Cavazos, who began his legal career as an associate in 1993 and has been a general counsel at a technology company, served as Bracewell’s Austin managing partner and as head of the firm’s Technology Transactions practice group. His practice focuses on transactional matters with an emphasis on complex technology deals, in addition to jury trials in both state and federal courts. He earned a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and is admitted to practice in Texas.

Shelton served as co-head of Bracewell’s IP Litigation practice and focuses on patent litigation, jury trials and ITC proceedings. He began his legal career as general counsel and IP counsel for a mobile technology provider and received a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from San Diego State University and a B.S. from Chapman University. He is admitted to practice in California, Texas and Washington and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Chibib, whose practice concentrates on district court and ITC patent litigation, began his career as an associate in 1995 and also has served as a general counsel in the technology sector. He earned a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas and is admitted to practice in Texas and Washington and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Civins, who began his legal career as an associate in 2003, focuses on IP litigation, commercial litigation, and trade secret disputes in both federal and state courts. He received a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and a B.A. from Emory University and is admitted to practice in Texas.

“Pillsbury’s sector focus and global platform provide us with an unprecedented opportunity to service the complex needs of clients in this dynamic and rapidly growing market,” Shelton said. “We are thrilled to join the team in Austin.”

About Pillsbury’s IP Practice

Pillsbury’s Intellectual Property practice advises clients on developing successful and comprehensive IP strategies by protecting, managing, asserting, defending and leveraging their IP assets. We field a team of more than 100 IP attorneys, plus technical consultants and patent agents around the world.

About Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury is a full-service law firm with an industry focus on energy & natural resources, financial services including financial institutions, real estate & construction, and technology. Based in the world's major financial, technology and energy centers, Pillsbury counsels clients on global business, regulatory and litigation matters. We work in multidisciplinary teams that allow us to understand our clients’ objectives, anticipate trends and bring a 360-degree perspective to complex business and legal issues—helping clients to take greater advantage of new opportunities, meet and exceed their objectives and better mitigate risk. This collaborative work style helps produce the results our clients seek.