Musical Chairs: Holland & Knight Picks Up Richard Raysman

Former Thelen associates might still be scrambling to pick up the pieces of their aborted legal careers, but former Thelen partners continue to land on their feet. The latest partner refugee is an All-Star. Richard Raysman (of what used to be known as Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner) has ended up at Holland & Knight.

Raysman left Thelen in August for Otterbourg Steindler. He got out before Thelen collapsed. Not surprisingly, Holland & Knight’s announcement downplays Raysman’s connection to his defunct former firm:

After graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and receiving his J.D., from Brooklyn Law School while working at IBM as a systems engineer, Raysman founded the firm of Brown, Raysman, Millstein, Felder & Steiner which grew to 250 attorneys. The Brown Raysman firm was the first significant firm to focus on computer law. Raysman was among the first lawyers to recognize that the practice of law in the area of computers would be increasingly important as digital technology spread through commercial enterprises.

But ex-Thelen employees still remember My. Raysman. Remember, earlier this month former Thelen employees were granted class status to pursue claims against Thelen. Their lawyer has indicated a willingness to go after former partners of the firm.

But clients probably won’t care about Raysman’s connection with the unfortunate events surrounding Thelen. He’s a leading lawyer in an important field. We’re sure Holland & Knight will be thrilled by the extra rain.

Check out the full press release after the jump.


HOLLAND & KNIGHT — STATEMENT — NEW HIRES

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NEW YORK CITY – April 15, 2009 – Holland & Knight is pleased to announce that Richard Raysman and Edward Pisacreta have joined the firm’s New York office as partners. Raysman, known in many circles as the founder of American computer law, will focus his practice on intellectual property, e-commerce and outsourcing. Pisacreta will concentrate his practice in technology law and related intellectual property matters.

“We are extremely delighted to have both Richard and Ed join Holland and Knight. Both Richard and Ed are leading attorneys with a clear understanding of how law impacts technology and e-commerce,” said Jim McDermott, head of the firm’s Business Law Section. “The combined wealth of experience these two attorneys bring will be a tremendous asset to the firm and our clients, and enhance our existing team of technology and intellectual property lawyers.”

After graduating from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and receiving his J.D., from Brooklyn Law School while working at IBM as a systems engineer, Raysman founded the firm of Brown, Raysman, Millstein, Felder & Steiner which grew to 250 attorneys. The Brown Raysman firm was the first significant firm to focus on computer law. Raysman was among the first lawyers to recognize that the practice of law in the area of computers would be increasingly important as digital technology spread through commercial enterprises.

As both a systems engineer and a lawyer he has a unique understanding and unrivaled knowledge of technology and intellectual property law. In addition to his transactional practice, Raysman has litigated reported cases in the New York State and Federal Courts. Raysman has been selected by Chambers as one of America’s leading outsourcing lawyers.

Raysman is the co-author of numerous publications including three treatises on computer law, intellectual property licensing and emerging technologies and writes a monthly column in the New York Law Journal. Raysman is a frequent speaker in the field and is a co-moderator of the IP Licensing Counsel Update conference scheduled for May 6-7, 2009 at the Harvard Club in New York City.

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Pisacreta is a leading attorney in technology related issues. He is experienced in e-commerce and computer related negotiations including agreements for design, development and licensing of software, outsourcing, licensing of intellectual property and conduct of business in electronic forms. Pisacreta also counsels clients on the use and protections of intellectual property assets.

Pisacreta is the author of many publications regarding computer technology and often speaks on the multi-faceted aspects of e-commerce and licensing. Pisacreta is also an adjunct professor of Law and Technology at Brooklyn Law School. He received a B.A. in Mathematics and his J.D. from Fordham University and his masters in Mathematics from Temple University. Prior to practicing law, Pisacreta was a management consultant with Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young) in the information systems area.

About Holland & Knight LLP: Holland & Knight is a global law firm with 1050 lawyers in 17 U.S. offices as well as Abu Dhabi, Beijing and Mexico City. Representative offices are located in Caracas and Tel Aviv. Holland & Knight is among the nation’s largest law firms, providing representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams provide clients with access to attorneys throughout the firm, regardless of location. www.hklaw.com

Earlier: Thelen Their Oats: Will A New Name Lure Suitors?

Ex-Thelen Employees Granted Class Status