Benesch Adds Prominent Intellectual Property Litigator to Chair the Firm’s Patent Litigation Practice

Benesch law firm is pleased to announce that Kal Shah has joined the firm as a partner and Chair of its Patent Litigation Group.  Kal Shah represents large clients in the areas of both intellectual property litigation and complex commercial litigation.  He has been lead counsel in a wide variety of patent matters, including computer science and internet applications, biological and biomedical sciences, electrical systems and lighting technology, mechanical systems, and wireless technologies.  He has also represented clients in software license and copyright disputes. Kal is first and foremost a litigator, also representing clients in commercial litigation, including multifaceted contract litigation, derivative actions, fraud defense and other business claims.  Kal’s practice and experience spans both federal and state courts across the country and includes various forms of alternative dispute resolution.

“Kal brings a depth of experience in a very sophisticated, fast developing area of law which will add to our already deep bench in litigation and intellectual property,” said Gregg Eisenberg, Managing Partner of the firm.  “His addition to our Chicago office will enhance Benesch’s client service offering firm-wide,” he added. 

“Kal is a rare combination of great trial lawyer and accomplished patent litigator,” added Joe Castrodale, chair of the Firm’s Litigation Group and Vice Chair of the Firm.  “We now have an expanded ability to handle large and highly complex patent litigation matters throughout the county.  He will be supported by our existing talented patent litigators, as well as by our nearly 100 litigation professionals and 25 patent professionals. Our mission is to litigate all sizes of patent cases in an efficient and cost effective manner.”

Kal was previously a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP and at Locke Lord LLP.  He has a very active pro bono practice and was awarded the Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service from the Judges of the Northern District of Illinois and Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.  He also has served as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.  Kal received his J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his B.S. in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois.  Before entering the private practice of law, Kal worked as an engineer at Abbott Laboratories.