Arnold & Porter

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2025 — Arnold & Porter is pleased to announce that Burden Walker, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Consumer Protection Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Senior Counselor to the Attorney General, and Deputy Associate Attorney General, will join the firm as a partner in the Complex Litigation practice. Walker will be resident in the Washington, D.C. office. In welcoming Walker, Ken Chernof, co-chair of the firm's Litigation group, said: “Burden is an extraordinarily versatile, widely respected litigator whose breadth of experience at the DOJ will enhance our firm’s litigation capabilities. He is well-positioned to advise clients across a broad spectrum of disputes, particularly government-facing litigation, investigations, and administrative litigation, drawing on his experience in senior government positions.” In his role as Deputy Assistant Attorney General of DOJ’s Consumer Protection Branch, Walker supervised the enforcement of the nation’s consumer welfare laws, including the Federal Trade Commission Act’s protections against unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act’s protections against misbranded or adulterated food and drugs. During his tenure at the DOJ, Walker also served as Senior Counselor to the Attorney General, Deputy Associate Attorney General responsible for the Civil, Antitrust, and Environment and Natural Resources Divisions, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. Walker has investigated, prosecuted, and tried white collar crime cases and supervised other prosecutors in their appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In joining the firm, Walker said: “Arnold & Porter has an impressive roster of talented former government officials and seasoned litigators. I am excited to draw on my experiences handling high-stakes cases at the DOJ and collaborate with my colleagues to represent the interests of the firm’s clients.” Walker earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his A.B. from Harvard College. He served as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Honorable Stephen F. Williams of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. About Arnold & Porter Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 15 offices worldwide, we offer deep industry experience and an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.

Firm Grows IP Litigation Capabilities With Ray in Chicago, Parsons in Houston CHICAGO and HOUSTON, February 27, 2025 — Arnold & Porter is pleased to announce the additions of Brent Ray and Abby Parsons as partners in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, resident in Chicago and Houston. Ray and Parsons’ arrivals underscore the firm’s strategic focus on expanding its core offerings in key markets and solidifying its reputation as a “go to” firm for clients in complex intellectual property disputes. The firm’s Chicago and Houston offices have grown steadily over the past few years, attracting top legal talent in multiple practice areas. In Chicago, the firm has added 17 new partners and counsel in the last five years, and now consists of over 50 attorneys. In Houston, the firm has added seven new partners in that timeframe. Dina Hayes and Doug Winthrop, co-chairs of the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, said: “With their significant trial experience, Brent and Abby bolster the firm’s current intellectual property litigation capabilities in both Chicago and Houston. Brent’s ability to translate complex legal issues into concise solutions will be particularly valuable to our clients in solving their intellectual property matters. In addition, Abby’s creative and pragmatic approach to handling patent litigation matters in the life sciences sector will be an asset to our team.” In joining the firm, Ray and Parsons were drawn to Arnold & Porter’s highly regarded Intellectual Property practice, which handles high-stakes cases and has a strong record of success in significant patent jurisdictions throughout the U.S. Ray said: “We are excited to join this collaborative and integrated team to resolve complex intellectual property matters and provide comprehensive guidance to clients.” Brent Ray joins the Chicago office as a partner in the Intellectual Property practice. He is a first-chair trial lawyer who has served as lead counsel in more than two dozen cases before the Federal Circuit, the International Trade Commission, federal courts in California, Illinois, New York, and Texas, and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He also regularly advises clients on the intellectual property and litigation aspects of corporate merger agreements and product acquisitions. Ray has represented clients across various industries, particularly in technology. Ray earned his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and his B.S. from Northwestern University. Abby Parsons joins the Houston office as a partner in the Intellectual Property practice. A trusted advisor to clients, she leads trial teams in federal district courts and the International Trade Commission. Her cases involve patents and other intellectual property disputes covering a wide range of technology, from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to software and high-tech patents. Parsons also advises clients on licenses, due diligence, and investments in intellectual property. Parsons earned her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and her B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa, summa cum laude. About Arnold & Porter Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 15 offices worldwide, we offer deep industry experience and an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.

Arnold & Porter is pleased to announce that Daphne O’Connor, co-chair of the firm’s Product Liability Litigation practice group, has been named head of the Washington, D.C. office, effective January 1, 2025. Richard M. Alexander, chairman of Arnold & Porter, commented: “Throughout her distinguished career, Daphne has demonstrated a commitment to effective client service and to mentoring her colleagues. In her new role, she will work closely with our talented professionals in investing in their success and promoting the core values of our Firm.” O’Connor, who began her legal career as a summer associate at Arnold & Porter in 1994, worked in-house at a Fortune 500 company from 2008 to 2015, and then returned to the Firm, said: “It is a great honor to be appointed as the first head of our Washington, D.C. office. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in D.C. and throughout the firm to best serve our clients in this time of exciting evolution in the legal industry.” O’Connor is a veteran 30-year litigator with a focus on product liability and mass tort cases.  

A new report commissioned by Arnold & Porter, based on a survey of 100 senior executives and department heads from biopharmaceutical, digital health, diagnostics, and medical device companies, shows that artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is accelerating across the industry as companies implement it to accelerate product discovery and development, optimize manufacturing and the supply chain, improve marketing and sales strategies, and more. However, as with any disruptive innovation, risks need to be managed. The report also highlights looming governance and compliance needs as companies seek to mitigate the risks associated with AI technologies, particularly in areas like data privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. The Arnold & Porter report found that AI use is still in its early stages for many in the life sciences industry, with around 75% of respondents beginning implementation less than two years ago. Despite this, 86% of companies currently integrating AI plan to fully deploy these tools within the next two years, reflecting a significant acceleration in AI adoption. R&D Leading AI Use, with Commercial Functions Close Behind Research and development (R&D) emerged as the leading area of AI implementation, with 79% of respondents actively using or planning to use AI to drive faster, more efficient drug discovery and clinical trials. AI is also making inroads into manufacturing (62%), marketing (45%), and regulatory functions (42%) as companies seek to harness the power of AI across the entire product lifecycle. Governance Amid Rapid AI Adoption Despite AI’s rapid pace, AI governance is an ongoing challenge for many life sciences companies. According to the survey, only 55% of companies currently using AI have implemented formal AI policies or standard operating procedures. Even fewer—just 51% of companies—have completed regular AI audits or assembled cross-functional teams to oversee safe and compliant AI use. This data suggests that companies will need to prioritize risk management and compliance more to realize AI's full potential without exposing themselves to unnecessary vulnerabilities. AI's Impact on Product Discovery and Sales The survey found that AI already delivers tangible benefits in the product discovery and commercialization phases. Approximately half of respondents have explored leveraging AI to optimize product discovery and design, citing anticipated faster time-to-market and improved efficiency as key drivers. Additionally, 85% of respondents reported that AI-driven initiatives to boost commercial effectiveness have been highly productive. IP Concerns Loom as AI Expands The survey also uncovered rising concerns over AI-related intellectual property issues. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents expressed significant concern about the potential for AI to introduce new IP challenges within the next year. As AI-driven innovations continue to reshape the industry, life sciences companies are increasingly vigilant about protecting their breakthroughs. Looking Ahead: AI's Growing Role in Life Sciences As AI becomes more embedded in life sciences operations, its role in patient care and diagnostics is expected to grow. The survey suggests that AI-enabled diagnostic tools, clinical trials, and AI-assisted treatment plans will soon become standard across the healthcare industry. However, given that regulators are already signaling heightened scrutiny of AI use from a compliance perspective, companies must address governance gaps to ensure safe, effective, and compliant use as they progress with AI integration. Arnold & Porter's full report, "The Convergence of Life Sciences and Artificial Intelligence: Seizing Opportunities While Managing Risk," can be found here. It also features in-depth analyses of the survey results and additional resources on AI issues in product design and discovery, intellectual property, medical device regulations, clinical development, privacy and cybersecurity, manufacturing and supply chain, commercialization, payments, governance and compliance, implementation, global considerations, and more.  

Arnold & Porter announced today that Bill Efron, former Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Northeast Regional Office, has joined the firm’s Antitrust practice as a partner, resident in New York. Debbie Feinstein, chair of Arnold & Porter’s Global Antitrust practice and former Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, said: “Bill’s tenure at the FTC, along with his deep experience in both antitrust and consumer protection, makes him an asset to our leading Antitrust practice. His background in handling high-profile, cutting-edge, and highly complex matters will help our clients successfully navigate the current antitrust enforcement environment.” Efron has more than two decades of experience, most recently serving in a senior FTC enforcement position for over 12 years. He focuses on antitrust and consumer protection, with an emphasis on merger reviews, government investigations, and litigation. His practice will include anticompetitive conduct matters, government enforcement actions, and private litigation. As Director of the FTC’s Northeast Region, Efron led and supervised prominent antitrust merger and conduct investigations and litigation for the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. He also oversaw complex cases involving alleged unfair and deceptive practices for the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. During his tenure at the FTC, Efron handled challenging antitrust matters across an array of industries, including healthcare, digital platforms, retail, radiopharmaceuticals, medical devices, industrial products, and marketing data. His experience includes serving as lead trial and appellate counsel in the FTC’s successful challenge to a proposed $2.4 billion hospital merger. He has particular strength in healthcare and possesses significant experience with respect to digital platforms. Earlier in his career, Efron practiced as an antitrust and commercial litigator at an Am Law 100 firm. In joining the firm, Efron said: “I was drawn to Arnold & Porter’s premier Antitrust team, which is widely known for its strategic resolution of complex matters and its strong understanding of the antitrust agencies. I am excited to work alongside my colleagues, many of whom also have senior government experience.” Efron earned his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude, and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.  

Arnold & Porter announced today that Todd Boudreau has joined the firm’s Corporate & Finance practice with a focus on Private Equity, Institutional Investments, and Fund Formation as a partner, resident in Boston. Hemmie Chang, head of Arnold & Porter’s Boston office, said: “Todd’s versatile transactional practice, which spans across regulated industries, life sciences, healthcare, and technology industries, will be invaluable to the firm as we continue to grow our broad-based transactional practice in Boston. His arrival reflects our continued investment in the region.” Ron Levine and Derek Stoldt, co-chairs of Arnold & Porter’s Corporate & Finance practice, added: “Todd is a seasoned and experienced deal lawyer whose thoughtful approach to counseling clients will build on the firm’s existing transactional capabilities. His extensive transactional experience will be an asset to our multifaceted Corporate & Finance practice, which provides full-service solutions for our clients.” Boudreau brings more than two decades of experience assisting clients across a range of industry sectors, including aerospace and defense, consumer products, health services, life sciences, medical devices, and technology. He provides guidance on all aspects of M&A and investment transactions for private equity sponsors, limited partners, and strategic companies including both domestic and cross-border transactions. Boudreau also frequently advises institutional investors and fund managers on investments in emerging funds, single investor funds, secondary transactions, continuation funds, and direct investments and is highly experienced in counseling private fund managers on all aspects of fund formation for discretionary and non-discretionary alternative investment transactions. In joining the firm, Boudreau said: “I look forward to joining Arnold & Porter’s well-regarded Corporate & Finance team and collaborating with colleagues who have a deep understanding of various regulated industries in an ever-increasing environment of regulation and oversight. I am also eager to contribute to the firm’s growing transactional practice in Boston.” Boudreau earned his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. In September 2023, Arnold & Porter announced the opening of its Boston office with a focus on life sciences and health care transactions, litigation, regulatory counseling, and government investigations. This followed the opening of the Amsterdam office in August 2022, which significantly enhanced the firm’s European life sciences regulatory capabilities. Boudreau’s arrival follows the recent additions of healthcare litigator Brian Dunphy and veteran white collar defense attorney and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle Joffre to the Boston office.  

Arnold & Porter announced today that Brian Dunphy has joined the firm’s Complex Litigation practice as a partner, resident in Boston. Hemmie Chang, head of Arnold & Porter’s Boston office, said: “Brian’s extensive litigation experience, particularly with clients in the life sciences sector, builds on our Boston office’s ability to offer comprehensive services to clients. His established presence in the Boston legal community will contribute to our growth in the region.” Kenneth Chernof and James Herschlein, co-chairs of Arnold & Porter’s Complex Litigation practice, added: “Brian’s practice, which spans commercial litigation, False Claims Act matters, investigations, and counseling, enhances our Complex Litigation team’s offerings. His proven ability to handle complex cases and serve as a trusted adviser for clients will be an asset to our team of seasoned trial lawyers.” As an experienced healthcare litigator, Dunphy handles complex commercial litigation involving business disputes for healthcare, life sciences, and biotech companies and defends product liability cases for pharmaceutical and biotech companies. He advises and represents healthcare providers, health plans, Medicare Advantage plans, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology and life sciences companies, and clinical laboratories at all stages of investigations,  litigation, arbitrations, and at trial. Additionally, Dunphy is a trusted adviser for clients navigating government investigations and whistleblower complaints regarding alleged violations of the federal False Claims Act and similar state laws. He maintains an active pro bono practice and has dedicated more than a decade to advising a nonprofit focused on advancing the study, treatment, and prevention of the effects of concussions and other brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups. In joining the firm, Dunphy said: “Arnold & Porter’s strong reputation in Boston, coupled with the strength of its litigation, life sciences, and healthcare practices, is truly impressive. I am eager to contribute to the growth of the firm’s Boston office and collaborate with the Complex Litigation team, which has an established track record for handling high-stakes commercial disputes.” Dunphy earned his B.A. from Boston College and his J.D. from Boston College Law School. In September 2023, Arnold & Porter announced the opening of its Boston office with a focus on life sciences and health care transactions, litigation, regulatory counseling, and government investigations. This followed the opening of the Amsterdam office in August 2022, which significantly enhanced the firm’s European life sciences regulatory capabilities. Dunphy’s arrival follows the recent addition of veteran white collar defense attorney and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Giselle Joffre to the firm’s Boston office.  

Arnold & Porter announced today that Matthew Cudrin has joined the firm’s Real Estate practice as a partner, resident in New York.Cudrin’s practice covers all aspects of commercial real estate nationwide, building upon the firm’s multifaceted Real Estate practice. In welcoming Cudrin, partners Steve Gliatta, Jeff Kapner, and Amy Rifkind, co-chairs of Arnold & Porter’s Real Estate practice, said: “Matt’s pragmatic and thoughtful approach to managing complex real estate transactions will be an asset to our Real Estate practice. His comprehensive real estate experience will significantly contribute to our practice’s capabilities.” Cudrin brings substantial experience in handling a wide range of  commercial real estate transactions. He represents private equity funds, property owners, developers, investors, and lenders in connection with complex transactions, which include acquisitions, dispositions, financings, and developments. Cudrin’s practice is nationwide in scope and he has particular strength in the hospitality, multifamily, industrial, office, retail, and mixed-use sectors. Cudrin said: “I look forward to joining Arnold & Porter and collaborating once again with familiar colleagues. I am eager to work alongside the firm’s distinguished Real Estate team, with their wide breadth of experience and deep understanding of real estate markets.” Cudrin earned his J.D. from Hofstra University and his B.A. from American University.