Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton announces new managing partners

Law firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP has announced it has appointed two new managing partners at its US offices in Atlanta and San Francisco.

Mehrnaz Smith (below left) will be the new head of the San Francisco office and Audra Dial (below right) will take up the helm at the Atlanta office.

Smith focuses on IP and commercial litigation matters.

She has represented technology companies in litigation related to patent, copyright and trademark infringement, as well as misappropriation of trade secrets.

Dial is a litigator in the firm’s patent litigation and technology litigation teams.

Her focus is on federal court litigation involving trade secrets and patent disputes as well as business disputes involving IP.

The pair have both been at the firm for 16 years.

Dias said: “I look forward to using this extensive experience to create opportunities that enhance the firm’s tremendous reputation as a great place to work and its ability to continue providing exceptional client service.”

Smith added: “I have been fortunate to work with some of the best legal minds in our profession who all knew the importance of providing the highest quality legal work … and offering an inclusive environment to pursue a legal career.

“I will work hard to continue this proud legacy for the firm and our clients.”

Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP is a full-service law firm with offices across the US as well as in Tokyo, Shanghai and Stockholm.