Kirkland adds litigation partner in Austin
Joining as a partner, Li was previously at McKool Smith, where she was a principal and firmwide hiring principal.
Prior to that, she clerked for Judge Arthur Gajarsa of the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and Judge Leonard Davis of the Eastern District of Texas.
She currently serves as Judge Alan Albright’s teaching assistant for a course on patent advocacy at the University of Texas School of Law.
“Kat is one of the leading IP trial lawyers in Texas and her experience representing a wide array of technology clients will be a major asset to our recently launched IP litigation practice in Texas, and our top-tier firmwide IP litigation group,” said Jon Ballis, chairman of Kirkland’s executive committee.
Li focuses on patent and technology litigation and has represented Fortune 500 companies in US district courts, the International Trade Commission, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and the Federal Circuit.
She is experienced in matters involving a variety of technologies, including mobile devices, semiconductors, oil and gas and telecommunications.
“With major tech-focused companies entering or expanding into Austin, we need exceptional talent like Kat to help guide clients as they grapple with complex IP-related issues,” said Austin-based IP litigation partner Jeannie Heffernan.
Kirkland launched its Austin IP litigation practice in July 2021 to more effectively serve existing and potential clients in the region. Today, the firm has seven Texas-based IP litigators, with plans for continued growth.
“I am thrilled to join Kirkland and work with the team to build the IP litigation practice in Texas,” said Li. “Kirkland’s full-service platform is unparalleled and I look forward to bringing my experience to our clients and working with our talented attorneys across all practice groups.”
Li is a fellow of the Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity. She has been recognised by the State Bar of Texas Asian Pacific Interest Section as “Best Under 40” and “Nation’s Best” by Lawyers of Color.
“Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our profession is important to me,” Li added. “I am excited to continue that work at Kirkland, which has made supporting diverse attorneys an integral part of its mission.”
Ms. Li earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in material science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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