Hunton & Williams has recruited Edward Fernandes from Akin Gump.  Fernades will continue to practice in Austin, but will also work out of the Houston office.  A major aim of his will be to grow Hunton’s litigation office, particularly in the Austin group. Fernades has much experience representing very large companies, such as Ernst & Young and Bank of America.

Source:  www.austin.bizjournals.com

Pirkey Barber LLP has hired Shannon T. Vale. Vale worked with the firm’s co-founders, Lou Pirkey and Bill Barber at Austin firm, Arnold White & Durkee. Pirkey & Barber left in 2006 to start their own firm. Vale has over 25 years of experience in trademark law. Pirkey Barber has also hired Alison Davis Frey, who has over 10 years of trademark experience.

Source:  www.iptoday.com

Baker Botts has added two notable attorneys to its intellectual property group. Ann Hurwitz and Will K. Wood are now partners in the firm’s Dallas office. They both join from DLA Piper where they were partners.

Source:  www.au.sys-con.com