June 8, 2026 – Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading global law firm serving the energy, technology, and life sciences sectors, is pleased to announce the IAM Patent 1000 has again recognized the Firm’s Intellectual Property practice and its lawyers as leaders in the field, including a Gold ranking for patent litigation in Texas, placing the firm among only six firms in the guide’s top tier.

This year’s guide recognizes Baker Botts in Texas, New York, California, and Washington, D.C., as well as at the national level and in the United Kingdom, with rankings spanning Litigation, Prosecution, and Transactions in the country’s leading innovation markets. In total, 28 Baker Botts lawyers received individual recognition, up from 25 last year, reflecting the growing depth of the Firm’s bench across patent litigation, prosecution, transactions, and appellate matters.

IAM’s editorial repeatedly highlights what sets the firm apart: integrated patent capability across the full lifecycle. As IAM observes, at Baker Botts “prosecution, litigation and transactions are not treated as separate tracks; instead, the team’s portfolio advice is shaped by an understanding of how rights may later be licensed, challenged, asserted or scrutinized in a deal context.” The guide also points to the team’s ability to coordinate district court litigation, PTAB proceedings, ITC investigations, Federal Circuit appeals, and transactional strategy across complex, high-stakes matters.

“Earning recognition across every facet of patent law confirms what our clients experience every day: a team built to protect, defend, and maximize the value of innovation at every stage of its lifecycle,” said Christa Brown-Sanford, Chair of Baker Botts’ IP Department. “These rankings reflect the depth, breadth, and integration of our team as we deliver real results on our clients’ most consequential IP work.”

IAM Patent 1000 is widely regarded as the definitive resource for world-class patent expertise.

Firm rankings by region:

• United States – National: Litigation & Prosecution
• U.S. Texas: Litigation (Gold), Prosecution & Transactions
• U.S. New York: Litigation, Prosecution & Transactions
• U.S. California: Litigation & Prosecution
• U.S. DC Metro Area: Litigation & Prosecution

Recommended individuals:

United States – National

• Michael Hawes
• Paul Ragusa

Texas

• Samir Bhavsar
• Christa Brown-Sanford
• Roger Fulghum
• Douglas Kubehl
• Paul Morico
• Christopher Palermo
• Kurt Pankratz
• Barton Showalter
• Jose Villarreal

New York

• Daniel Hulseberg
• Sandra Lee
• Steve Lendaris
• Robert Maier
• Neil Sirota
• Jen Tempesta
• Maggie Welsh

Washington, D.C.

• Martin Bruehs
• Katharine Burke
• Lauren Dreyer
• Lisa Kattan
• Luke Pedersen
• Eliot Williams

California

• Hopkins Guy
• Jeremy Taylor

United Kingdom: England and Wales

• Neil Coulson

To view Baker Botts’ full list of rankings in the IAM Patent 1000, click here.  

ABOUT BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
Baker Botts is an international law firm whose lawyers practice throughout a network of offices around the globe. Based on our experience and knowledge of our clients' industries, we are recognized as a leading firm in the energy, technology and life sciences sectors. Since 1840, we have provided creative and effective legal solutions for our clients while demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to excellence. For more information, please visit bakerbotts.com.