Michael Chu Joins Benesch’s Intellectual Property Practice Group from McDermott Will & Schulte, Strengthening Patent Litigation Bench

Benesch is pleased to announce that Michael Chu has joined the firm as a partner in its growing Intellectual Property Practice Group in Chicago. His arrival marks the latest milestone in the continued expansion and success of a thriving practice that is building momentum across industries and technologies. Michael brings more than three decades of experience representing clients in complex patent and intellectual property disputes, as well as advising domestic and international companies on patent prosecution, intellectual property portfolio strategy, licensing, post-grant proceedings, trade and cross-border intellectual property matters.

“Michael has built strong client relationships by pairing deep technical and legal experience with practical, results-oriented advice. We look forward to welcoming those clients as he continues to support them with industry-leading intellectual property litigation and transactional advice—now at Benesch rates. We are also pleased to bring the band back together as he will once again work alongside longtime colleagues who know and respect his work. That combination creates tremendous value for clients and is another important step in the continued growth and momentum of our thriving Intellectual Property Practice Group,” said Kal K. Shah, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.

A registered patent attorney with a background in mechanical engineering, Michael counsels clients across a wide range of industries, including consumer products, household appliances, food production, medical devices, immunotherapies, chemical processing, manufacturing, automotive technologies, software and electronics. Drawing on decades of litigation and prosecution experience, he works closely with innovators, engineers and business leaders to develop, protect and monetize intellectual property assets while navigating complex enforcement and risk management challenges. His broad experience further expands Benesch’s growing IP platform and strengthens the group’s ability to deliver integrated, business-focused litigation and transactional counsel. Additionally, Michael maintains a significant international practice, advising clients on intellectual property, licensing, import-export, outsourcing and regulatory matters throughout Asia, including Korea, China, Japan and Southeast Asia, as well as Europe.

“Throughout my career, I’ve found that the best client outcomes come from working alongside people who are not only exceptional lawyers but are also genuinely collaborative and invested in each other’s success. I’m especially excited to join Benesch because I will be reunited with former McDermott colleagues, including Charlie McMahon and Tom DaMario, as well as colleagues I’ve known and worked closely with since even earlier in my career, including Manish Mehta, Mircea Tipescu, David Bluestone and Andrew Stover. I know firsthand the caliber, collegiality and commitment to client service these lawyers bring. The opportunity to collaborate with them and the broader Benesch IP team was central to my decision to join, and I look forward to serving clients together across industries and technologies,” said Michael.

Beyond his legal practice, Michael is a recognized leader in the legal profession and the Asian American community. He is a former president of both the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the NAPABA Law Foundation, and he served for over seven years as the chair of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago. Michael also served as board chair of the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms. Currently, Michael is the immediate past president of the Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA). His longstanding commitment to leadership, mentorship and community service reflects the collaborative values he brings to his clients, colleagues and the broader legal profession.