PRESS RELEASE
McDermott adds former USPTO commissioner to IP Practice
September 23, 2025
Read time: 4 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Vaishali Udupa has joined the firm as counsel in its Intellectual Property (IP) Practice Group, based in Washington, DC. She joins the firm after serving as commissioner for patents at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where she led the agency’s patent operations and spearheaded its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, including guidance on inventorship, subject matter eligibility, and the use of AI tools in patent practice.
“We’re excited to welcome Vaishali to McDermott. Her unique blend of public and private sector leadership will be a tremendous value-add to our clients navigating complex IP landscapes,” said Jennifer Mikulina, co-head of McDermott’s Global Intellectual Property Practice.
“Vaishali’s arrival adds significant dimension and depth of knowledge to our group. Her experience and insight will benefit our clients and our existing lawyers immeasurably,” added Doug Carsten, co-head of McDermott’s IP Practice.
A nationally recognized IP lawyer, Udupa brings more than two decades of experience spanning private practice, in-house counsel roles, and public service. Prior to her role at the USPTO, Udupa held senior legal positions at a Fortune 500 technology company, where she managed high-stakes litigation disputes and advised on portfolio development, licensing, and enforcement. Her experience spans networking and telecommunications systems, software, e-commerce, consumer products, and medical devices.
“I’ve had a longstanding relationship with McDermott and have always admired the firm’s deep bench of talent and collaborative culture,” said Vaishali. “This team embodies a rare and powerful blend of intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence – distinctive qualities that are essential for navigating today’s biggest IP challenges with insight and precision.”
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McDermott advises Allianz in Coterie Insurance equity investment
DEAL ANNOUNCEMENT / PRESS RELEASE
McDermott advises Allianz in Coterie Insurance equity investment
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte represented Allianz X, the strategic investment arm of the Allianz Group, in a strategic equity investment in data-powered managing general agent Coterie Insurance (Coterie).
The deal invests in AI-driven underwriting and servicing, coupling stakeholder support with strong risk selection and underwriting discipline. The investment also establishes a long-term, expanded reinsurance relationship between Coterie and Allianz Reinsurance, the reinsurance arm of the Allianz Group.
The deal team was led by Michael Byrne and included Andrea Best, Amber Adair, and Leila Fujiwara.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott steps up litigation strengths
COVERAGE
McDermott steps up litigation strengths
September 23, 2025
Read time: 2 min
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Recent developments in tax law – Federal Constitutional Court ruling on minimum taxation
ARTICLE
Recent developments in tax law – Federal Constitutional Court ruling on minimum taxation
2025
Read time: 2 min
The Federal Constitutional Court has declared minimum taxation to be constitutional and referred to equity measures to mitigate hardship – a decision with far-reaching consequences for companies.
In their article in the Neue Zeitschrift für Gesellschaftsrecht, Dr. Gero Burwitz and Jonathan Storz analyze how the loss deduction rules work in practice, what risks exist in special cases in particular, and what legislative adjustments are appropriate.
State bills on PE, health care pass
COVERAGE
State bills on PE, health care pass
September 22, 2025
Read time: 2 min
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McDermott strengthens commercial litigation team in Chicago with Michael Dockterman arrival
PRESS RELEASE
McDermott strengthens commercial litigation team in Chicago with Michael Dockterman arrival
September 22, 2025
Read time: 3 min
International law firm McDermott Will & Schulte is pleased to announce that Michael Dockterman has joined the Litigation Practice Group based in Chicago as a partner. Michael is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with robust experience leading high-stakes commercial litigation across securities, antitrust, intellectual property, contracts, real estate, and government contracting.
“Michael’s arrival is a strategic win for our clients and our practice,” said Josh Simon, Global Head of McDermott’s Litigation Practice Group. “His successes in ‘once-in-a-career’ cases and longstanding relationships with the world’s largest companies serve to expand our already strong commercial litigation capabilities, particularly in Chicago. He brings not only exceptional legal talent but also a collaborative approach that complements our culture and enhances our integrated client service model.”
Michael advises clients, including some of the world’s most profitable consumer brands and financial services companies, in high-stakes national disputes and commercial litigation. With cross-practice synergies across investigations, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance, his practice will complement McDermott’s global disputes platform and support the litigation practice’s growth in Chicago.
“There’s tremendous opportunity at McDermott to grow a sophisticated commercial litigation practice alongside talented colleagues who share a commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Michael. “I’m excited to join a vibrant team with the resources to build an elite group of trial lawyers and collaborate with clients on their most challenging disputes. Together we will strengthen the firm’s already impressive litigation platform.”
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
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McDermott adds trial lawyer Dockterman in Chicago
COVERAGE
McDermott adds trial lawyer Dockterman in Chicago
September 22, 2025
Read time: 2 min
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McDermott adds Steptoe litigator in Chicago
COVERAGE
McDermott adds Steptoe litigator in Chicago
September 22, 2025
Read time: 2 min
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Lawyers Navigate Europe’s Expanding Private Credit Market
COVERAGE
Lawyers Navigate Europe’s Expanding Private Credit Market
September 22, 2025
Read time: 2 min
Aymen Mahmoud, partner and European head of finance was cited in the Financial Times regarding the ongoing expansion of private credit markets in Europe, it was noted that companies and investors are following the example set by the US by adopting more complex financing methods for transactions.
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3 retirement bills advance to full House of Representatives
COVERAGE
3 retirement bills advance to full House of Representatives
September 17, 2025
Read time: 2 min
