Silicon Valley - Dechert LLP announced today that Stephen J. Akerley has joined the firm's Intellectual Property practice as a partner in the Silicon Valley office. He was most recently a partner at O'Melveny & Myers LLP.

"Steve's litigation experience and success in high-profile patent cases will be valuable assets to our IP practice," said Barton J. Winokur, Dechert chairman. "His understanding of various technologies adds strategic depth to the counsel we offer our clients."

Akerley advises clients on the full range of intellectual property litigation matters, serving as trial counsel in jurisdictions throughout the United States as well as before the International Trade Commission and international tribunals. He focuses on high-stakes patent and trade secret matters and frequently represents clients in bet-the-company cases involving threats of injunctive relief and hundreds of millions of dollars in potential damages.

"I'm very happy to be joining Dechert," said Akerley. "The firm has a significant number of talented IP lawyers in Silicon Valley who, together with the global resources of the firm's distinguished IP practice, will allow me to provide the very best service to my clients."

Akerley's recent work includes securing a complete trial victory for Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Co. before the International Trade Commission. He is also representing Google, Inc. and Telesys, Inc. in a variety of matters.

Listed among the top IP litigators in Silicon Valley by The Legal 500 (U.S., 2010), Akerley has also been recognized as one of the Top 50 IP litigators in California by the Daily Journal. He was also previously recognized among the National Law Journal "40 Under 40."

Akerley is a graduate of Cornell University (B.S., 1989) and the University of San Francisco School of Law (J.D., 1992).

About Dechert's Intellectual Property Practice:

Dechert represents companies in every aspect of intellectual property, including complex, multi-jurisdictional patent litigation; trade secret, trademark and copyright disputes; strategic IP counseling and patent portfolio development; patent and trademark prosecution; licensing and transactional matters; and IP due diligence. Dechert's IP group specializes in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, computers, electronics, and financial services. With top rankings in Chambers USA, Chambers UK, and The Legal 500, Dechert has been praised for its IP capabilities. The Legal 500 notes "the depth of knowledge the team has and the personal touch added to the work the team does." The publication has also recognized Dechert's abilities in patent litigation and trademark advice, as well as its "outstanding IP transactional team."