Crowell & Moring has announced plans to merge with Chicago-based tech and IP firm Brinks Gilson & Lione, enabling Crowell to expand its footprint into the Midwest region.

Crowell & Moring will absorb Brinks, with the Chicago firm’s president Gustavo Siller set to co-chair Crowell’s technology and intellectual property department alongside Cheryl Falvey. The deal will see 61 Brinks lawyers join Crowell, including 27 partners. Brinks specialises in high-stakes IP litigation, bringing with it broad technical and scientific expertise – between them the team has more than 60 technical degrees.

Philip Inglima, chair of Crowell & Moring, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to expand our reach with one of the most highly respected IP firms in the nation. We are particularly excited about enhancing and extending our collective ability to advise clients on the rapidly-evolving areas of their businesses that are affected – and increasingly transformed – by technology and innovation.”

He added: “[Brinks] has earned a reputation for protecting well-known corporate brands and complex intellectual property assets in the US and across the globe. The firm provides exceptional value to clients because of their deep experience in cutting-edge technology and the sciences, and their ability to deliver practical solutions to the most complex IP challenges.”

Brinks has helped businesses develop and protect innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, 5G and blockchain.

Siller said: “We recognised the significant benefit to our clients and to our practice of joining forces with Crowell & Moring – a firm with shared values and a commitment to exceptional client service.”

The combination – which will be completed in July – is Crowell & Moring’s second merger of the year after it absorbed Wall Street boutique Kibbe & Orbe in April, adding 13 partners to its roster. In total, the firm has made close to 90 lateral partner hires in the past three years. Its global headcount is now north of 625 lawyers across the US, Europe, Middle East and North Africa and Asia. The Brinks deal will also see it add offices in Chicago and Indianapolis. 

Falvey said: “By joining forces [with Brinks], we create a powerful network of talent that will strengthen our combined technology practices. With doctorates in life sciences, computer science and electrical engineering, Brinks lawyers know the science inside and out.”