The IP Lounge: From Texas trials to marathon miles with Alan Albright

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Gardens, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Cookies Settings

The IP Lounge: From Texas trials to marathon miles with Alan Albright

Artboard 1 copy 6@4x.png

The former Western District of Texas judge addresses perceptions of his courtroom, reveals what comes next as he returns to practice at A&O Shearman and explains why marathon running is ‘cathartic’


Alan Albright became one of the most closely watched judges during his tenure as US District Judge for the Western District of Texas.

His heavy patent docket and preference for fast-paced trials had some questioning his practices, but was all the criticism justified?

Managing IP’s senior reporter, Sanjana Mishra, sat down with Albright (pictured) to speak about growing his IP career in Texas.

Alan Albright color.png

From serving as a US magistrate judge at the mere age of 32 and later becoming one of the most well-known patent litigation district court judges, to now returning to private practice as an IP litigator at A&O Shearman, Albright’s career continues to be of significance.

When he’s not working, Albright spends his free time running marathons; an experience he says is not always enjoyable but always cathartic.

Following his move to A&O Shearman, Albright explains what drew him back to private practice and how his experience overseeing thousands of patent cases will shape his approach to litigation from the other side of the bench. He also reveals what separates the exceptional patent trial lawyer from the competent one.

While Albright’s career has certainly left its mark on the patent litigation world, he hopes that people remember his legacy as a career led with respect, kindness, and approachability.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

The Powell Gilbert co-founder discusses the confidence required to launch a firm, building an enduring patent litigation practice and why developing the next generation has changed her measure of success
Cabinet M Oproiu’s Raluca Vasilescu explains why AI is changing what clients expect from patent attorneys, where the technology is overhyped and what the next generation will need to do differently
As clients demand more flexible fees and AI-driven efficiencies, IP firms are rethinking pricing without abandoning the value of their work
HG Law was formed largely by ex Fish & Neave lawyers who left after the latter's merger with Ropes & Gray; now those experiences are shaping its latest combination
David Rodrigues and Evan Lazerowitz – attorneys at Robinson & Cole – offer practical guidance on the steps a business might consider to preserve and maximise IP value before entering financial distress or insolvency
Daniel Law CEO Alicia Daniel-Shores may have stepped into a family business, but she has spent two decades building her own vision around technology and litigation
Law firms don't particularly like saying no to clients. Perhaps they should get better at it
The office, which has a relatively new patent litigation team as well as a wider ‘soft’ IP offering, would remain independent if the rejection is rubberstamped
The IP boutique is betting that growing investment in quantum and semiconductors will fuel demand as technology shifts toward physical systems
Lawyers say the overhaul better reflects commercial reality, with changes spanning novelty searches, digital designs and access to a small claims track, but stopping short of criminalising unregistered design infringement
Gift this article