One of the nation’s premier IP lawyers, Alan served for eight years as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, which became the busiest court for patent litigation in the United States, handling roughly one quarter of all federal patent cases in the country.
Alan’s unparalleled experience presiding over one of the nation’s most active patent dockets—encompassing patent case management, claim construction, discovery disputes, and trial procedures—provides a distinct advantage in advising clients navigating complex patent disputes.
Over the course of his career, Alan has handled complex disputes involving software, semiconductors, telecommunications, consumer electronics and other technologies.
Prior to his appointment to the federal bench, Alan practiced as an IP litigator, including as a law firm partner for almost two decades, representing a broad range of corporate clients. He served as lead counsel in 15 complex patent cases that were litigated to verdict, judgment or final decision, including in technology and biotechnology. As a judge, his patent-specific experience includes handling over 3,000 cases involving 2,500 asserted patents, over 50 jury trials and eight bench trials.
Alan has also presided over, and handled, countless complex commercial litigation cases, including class action certifications, tax-, consumer-protection- and bankruptcy-related matters, contract disputes, investment fraud and civil rights cases. He is widely recognized for his innovative case management practices that have earned him recognition from patent litigators on both sides of the bar.
Alan is a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers.

