Kilpatrick appoints technology litigator as chair-elect

IP-focused firm's new chair-elect follows Henry Walker’s decade-long leadership | New leader has chaired the IP department for 11 years | Started as an associate in 2000 and brings litigation, strategy, and management of tech issues to the role. 

Kilpatrick has appointed Wab Kadaba as the firm's new chair-elect, effective July 1, 2024.

Kadaba will succeed Henry Walker, who has held the position since 2013 and is set to resume full-time practice as a partner in the firm's complex commercial litigation team after his four-year term ends on June 30, 2024.

Kadaba, a member of Kilpatrick’s management committee, has chaired the firm’s IP department for over 11 years and previously served as the office managing partner in Atlanta.

As an Atlanta native and graduate of Georgia Tech, Kadaba joined Kilpatrick in 2000 as an associate.

His expertise includes litigation, and strategy and management of IP and technology issues, representing clients in patent, trade dress and trade secret litigation matters.

Kadaba’s experience covers diverse technologies such as technologies software, telecommunications, e-commerce, medical devices, footwear and chemical compositions

Reflecting on Kilpatrick’s history, he thanked Walker for his leadership and the “success” the firm experienced “under his watch”.

“Henry exemplifies the qualities of a servant leader. I am excited to continue building on the momentum he created,” added Kadaba.

Walker oversaw Kilpatrick’s expansion into Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix, Shanghai, and Beijing and 11 consecutive years of increased gross revenue as well as more than doubling its profits per partner.

Walker said: “It has been an honour and privilege to help lead this great firm for the last 12 years.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished and very excited about the direction of the firm.

“With my most recent four-year term coming to a close, I believe this is the right time to transition my leadership responsibilities to Wab.”

Kadaba and Walker have worked together for 15 years with Walker describing Kadaba as having the “right skill set” to provide leadership to the firm.

He also praised Kadaba as “smart, strategic, and good with people,” knowing more about the firm than anyone else.

Commenting on the appointment, Kadaba remarked that after 25 years with Kilpatrick, it was a “privilege” to lead the firm.

“Our firm is forward-looking and tech-focused, so we recognise the importance of staying abreast of changes impacting our clients by providing our attorneys and professional staff the tools to deliver cutting-edge service,” added Kadaba.

Kadaba has served as a member of the Woodruff Arts Center board of trustees, a member of the board of trustees for Fernbank Museum and Natural History, and as alumni board president for the Westminster Schools in Atlanta.