Leading Intellectual Property Litigation Group Joins Winstead

DALLAS, TX—Winstead PC, a leading national law firm, announced today that Phillip Philbin, Jamie McDole, and Michael Karson have joined the firm as shareholders based in Dallas, where they will continue to advise clients on intellectual property and business litigation matters.

“Jamie, Mike, and Phillip are outstanding and highly regarded IP trial attorneys. Their addition dramatically expands the depth of our experience and leadership in segments of the IP litigation arena that we have not previously been able to service. These new capabilities add tremendous value for our clients in areas such as higher education, life sciences, and technology,” said David Dawson, Chairman and CEO of Winstead.

“Adding these three attorneys also highlights our continued investment in growing our firm in a thoughtful and strategic fashion, one that values entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation while avoiding the conflicts often found at larger national and international firms,” added Mr. Dawson.

“Winstead is known as a firm that provides outstanding service and work product for its clients. It has a well-earned reputation as a great place to work by fostering an open, collaborative, collegial, and entrepreneurial culture that minimizes conflicts and maximizes opportunities. Winstead is exactly the right platform for us and our clients, and we are thrilled to be joining the firm,” said Phillip Philbin.

“Our trial lawyers are known for seeing around corners, anticipating issues, and developing innovative solutions that meet our clients’ most complex legal challenges. Phillip, Jamie, and Mike share that same passion for creativity and service. We are delighted they have joined Winstead,” said James Ruiz, Chair of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group.

All three attorneys are joining Winstead from Thompson & Knight LLP. The biographies of the new shareholders can be found below.

Phillip Philbin

Phillip is a seasoned trial lawyer who uses the art of persuasion to explain the science and technology in the complex cases he tries across the country.  For more than 30 years, he has combined a deep understanding of technology with a practical, effective, and efficient approach to winning cases for clients ranging from large corporations to individual inventors.  Creativity, precision, and attention to detail are hallmarks of Philbin’s practice.  From virtual reality, gaming, 3G and 4G cellular communications to the chemical composition of saw tips and shaping devices used in open heart surgery, Philbin takes complex technology and explains it to people.

Phillip developed and teaches an advanced patent litigation course at SMU Dedman School of Law and frequently writes and lectures on a myriad of intellectual property litigation topics.  He also serves in various civic and community roles.  Phillip graduated from Trinity University with a B.S. and from Baylor Law School with a J.D.

Jamie McDole

Jamie is an experienced first-chair trial attorney and has represented numerous Fortune 50 companies in scores of litigations throughout the country in both federal court and at the International Trade Commission. He also counsels clients on global strategies for the enforcement of patent portfolios. His accomplishments are a direct result of his focus on client objectives, creative out-of-the-box strategies, and attention to detail.

Jamie graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in chemical engineering and from the Chicago-Kent College of Law with a J.D.

Michael Karson

Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property matters, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret misappropriation cases involving a broad and diverse set of technologies. These technologies include 3G and 4G cellular communications and equipment; mobile device management for wireless devices; wireless smart electricity metering; industrial cooling equipment; and data communications, including optical network communications; blood cholesterol strips; and piston coatings for use in internal combustion engines.

He has extensive experience in complex, multi-district litigation matters. Mike has also been part of numerous trial teams, including a recent team that obtained a large jury verdict in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas involving virtual reality technology and intellectual property.

Mike graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.S. in electrical engineering and computer engineering. He received his J.D. from the John Marshall Law School.

About Winstead’s Business Litigation Group

Whether your company is faced with frequent or occasional litigation, Winstead should be your first choice. With an in-depth understanding of our clients’ industries and businesses, particularly in the areas of real estate, intellectual property, financial services, construction, and insurance, Winstead attorneys guide clients through the sometimes chaotic and unpredictable litigation process as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Effective dispute resolution is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

When determining the best course of action, we assess our clients’ time, risk tolerance, resources, and business objectives. An aggressive litigation strategy might be the best option—or the worst. Alternatively, an early mediation or settlement conference may be more appropriate. Regardless of which route we take, we are in constant communication with our clients.

Winstead’s litigation approach includes lean staffing, better-than-competitive rates, and a commitment to engage in work that strictly advances the ball. Winstead clients have access to trusted business advisors and experienced litigators who intuitively know that clients are not interested in the litigation “journey” but, rather, are focused on results and the bottom line.

We are flexible and competitive when it comes to fee structures, and we are open to alternative and innovative fee arrangements. We monitor and manage the ongoing cost of litigation and often establish budgets at the outset to help our clients eliminate surprises.

The following news outlets have reported on the expansion:

Texas Lawyer

Texas Lawbook


About Winstead

Winstead is a national business law firm with nearly 300 attorneys who serve as trusted advisors to emerging, mid-market and large companies, both public and private. The Winstead team provides a range of core legal services that are critical to our clients achieving their business goals. Winstead’s business transactions and litigation practices serve key industries including airlines, financial services, healthcare, higher education, investment management/private funds, life sciences, real estate, media and sports business.