Atty. Bryan S. Hales

Atty. Bryan S. Hales

In each year since 2015, Bryan has been listed in the IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals for Litigation. He is also recognized in Patent Litigation: Full Coverage in the 2018, 2021 and 2022 editions of The Legal 500 United States.

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Profile Summary

About Bryan S. Hales at a glance

Bryan S. Hales is a patent and ip attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1996). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • In each year since 2015, Bryan has been listed in the IAM Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals for Litigation
  • He is also recognized in Patent Litigation: Full Coverage in the 2018, 2021 and 2022 editions of The Legal 500 United States
  • Bryan has litigated and counseled on patent matters for companies of various sizes across a variety of complex industries and technologies including medical devices, optical networking, pharmaceuticals, 3-D technology, material compositions, DNA array technology, automotive components, and communications software and devices
  • Bryan has litigated and tried cases in various forums, including the International Trade Commission, district courts across the U.S. and arbitration proceedings
  • He has worked on appellate matters before the Federal and Seventh Circuits
  • Bryan has also handled cases with international counterparts, including working with solicitors and barristers on a trial in the UK
  • Bryan has represented a number of companies seeking to manage their patent portfolios as revenue centers through active licensing programs, to complement the revenue generated by product and service offerings
  • He led a discussion on that topic at the Licensing Executives Society: “Litigation as a Licensing Tool.” He has also spoken or lectured at the American Conference Institute, the Society for Automotive Engineers, and at an Intellectual Property for Engineers course
  • Bryan also has extensive experience relating to inter partes review, and ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings, particularly as employed as part of a comprehensive defense strategy while engaged in district court litigation

Practice Areas Explained

Bryan S. Hales's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bryan S. Hales handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Patent Law

Bryan S. Hales is one of 20,749 patent attorneys indexed nationally. Browse patent attorneys in Illinois →

Intellectual Property

IP attorneys protect inventions, brands, and creative work through patent prosecution, trademark registration, copyright, and trade-secret enforcement.

Bryan S. Hales is one of 106,079 ip attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ip attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Bryan S. Hales

Where is Bryan S. Hales's law office located?
Bryan S. Hales's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Bryan S. Hales handle?
Bryan S. Hales focuses on patent, ip. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
Where did Bryan S. Hales go to law school?
Bryan S. Hales earned their education at (J.D., 1996).
How can I contact Bryan S. Hales for a consultation?
You can contact Bryan S. Hales directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Bryan S. Hales received?
Bryan S. Hales's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent.

Education

J.D.
The University of Michigan Law School
- 1996

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Intellectual Property
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Patent
- 2026

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