Washington, D.C., (MAY 2, 2026) – Saul Ewing LLP has expanded its Intellectual Property Litigation Practice in Washington, D.C. with the hiring of Partners Brian Seal and Tom Southard. Together, they bring to the firm more than four decades of combined experience as litigators handling patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright disputes in trial and appellate courts across the country. They are resident in the firm’s Washington D.C. office.
"We are thrilled to welcome Brian and Tom to the firm," said Washington, D.C. Office Managing Partner Jason McElroy. "They bring a powerful combination of trial experience, technical depth, and business-minded strategy to our IP Litigation team. Their track record in high-stakes cases and their experience with litigation funding will be a tremendous asset to our clients."
"Brian and Tom will further deepen Saul Ewing’s already strong bench of attorneys who litigate IP demands and disputes both nationally and globally, including across borders," said Domingos Silva, chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice. "Our clients rely on our IP Litigation Team to handle matters that threaten their intellectual property and brands in state and federal courts, before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and Appeal Board and other governmental tribunals, and by way of mediation and private resolution."
Mr. Southard and Mr. Seal serve as lead counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants in jury trials, bench trials, and appeals. Their clients range from publicly traded companies to startups and individuals.
Mr. Southard's experience includes disputes involving technologies such as semiconductor manufacturing, LED lighting, medical devices, and electronic gaming, while Mr. Seal's works on matters involve computing, telecommunications, and electronics, including claim construction and infringement disputes.
Both Mr. Southard and Mr. Seal have significant experience with litigation finance, further bolstering the firm’s robust funding platform. They have served as lead trial counsel in several funded litigations and have helped clients structure, negotiate, and secure third-party funding arrangements for commercial litigation claims.
Mr. Seal has a J.D. from the University of Alabama School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Virginia. Mr. Southard has a J.D. from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and a B.A. from Syracuse University.
About Saul Ewing
Saul Ewing is a full-service, national law firm with more than 400 attorneys and a team of top-notch business professionals, all working together to deliver practical, proactive advice and excellent client service. Our diversity of thought, focus on innovation, cross-serving practices, and culture of coaching create a collegial and supportive environment that inspires us to deliver inspired solutions. This is The Saul Approach.
