Skadden is pleased to welcome Bijal Vakil to the firm as a partner in its Intellectual Property Litigation Group. Based in Palo Alto, Mr. Vakil advises clients on contentious patent matters, trade secrets disputes and complex U.S. and cross-border IP and technology transactions. He joins from A&O Shearman, where he led the openings of its San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices and founded and co-chaired its Global Technology Industry Group.
Mr. Vakil is an accomplished trial attorney with extensive experience in high-stakes technology litigation across a broad spectrum of areas, including computer software, AI, fintech, blockchain, semiconductors, drones, e-commerce, social media, payments, autonomous vehicles, consumer electronics, telecommunications, video games, medical devices and cryptocurrency.
“Bijal will enable us to further expand our exceptional IP litigation practice, and his extensive knowledge of the tech sector will be a valuable asset across our platform,” said Skadden Executive Partner Jeremy London. “We are thrilled to welcome him to Skadden as we continue to make high-impact lateral investments in areas of strategic importance to our firm and our clients.”
“Bijal is a first-chair trial lawyer who has worked with some of the biggest global technology companies to successfully protect their most innovative and cutting-edge products,” said Douglas Nemec, head of Skadden’s Intellectual Property Litigation Group. “As the tech sector continues to evolve and present new legal challenges, Bijal’s experience and deep ties to the Silicon Valley community will greatly benefit our practice and our clients.”
“Skadden’s IP Litigation Group is second to none, and the firm’s global platform is unmatched,” said Mr. Vakil. “Industry-savvy tech clients expect their go-to law firm to have best-in-class corporate capabilities in Palo Alto, New York and offices globally, and Skadden is one of few firms to deliver. I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues to support our clients on their most critical tech and IP matters and helping to enhance our offerings in Silicon Valley and beyond.”
Mr. Vakil has co-chaired the Lawyer Representative Committee and chaired two magistrate judge selection committees for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. He also has held leadership roles within various national and local bar associations and professional organizations.
Mr. Vakil holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a J.D. from the University of California, Davis School of Law.
