She is a former senior federal prosecutor with over a decade of experience
Kirkland & Ellis has announced that former assistant US attorney Laura Vartain Horn has joined the firm as a partner in its intellectual property practice group.
Vartain Horn, a former senior federal prosecutor, brings over a decade of experience in handling criminal, intellectual property, national security, and cybersecurity cases. She previously served as chief of the national security and cyber section at the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. In this role, she led both domestic and cross-border national security and cybersecurity prosecutions, including those involving intellectual property. She has led and supervised numerous high-profile technology cases, covering complex issues concerning cutting-edge technologies.
“This is big for us. Laura’s unique blend of stellar trial work, extensive trade secret protection work, and experience with government investigations is a perfect fit with our IP jury trial practice as well as other work we’re doing at the firm,” said Adam Alper, a Kirkland IP litigation partner. “We are excited to welcome her to the team.”
During her tenure at the US Attorney’s Office, Vartain Horn tried nine federal cases and held supervisory roles for nearly seven years. Notably, she served as the lead prosecutor in a case involving the theft of Google’s supercomputing and artificial intelligence technology. Additionally, she led the prosecution that secured federal convictions against the individual who attempted to kidnap then-Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and assaulted Paul Pelosi.
“Our IP litigation team drives success through hard work, creativity, and teamwork, particularly before juries at trial. We see that same passion and work ethic in Laura,” said Mike De Vries, a partner in Kirkland’s IP litigation practice. “She will fit in great with our team in California and across Kirkland.”
Before her role in national security and cyber work, Vartain Horn oversaw complex corruption, civil rights, and white-collar matters, including parallel investigations with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Prior to joining the US Attorney’s Office, she was an associate at Latham & Watkins.
“The IP litigators at Kirkland have a remarkable track record in all phases of litigation, particularly in securing significant jury verdicts. Their success reflects relentless preparation as well as creativity and collaboration amongst a strong team and with their clients,” Vartain Horn said. “I’m thrilled to join this team and also to bring my government experience into Kirkland’s other litigation work, including government, regulatory, and internal investigations.”
Vartain Horn earned her bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College and her law degree from the George Washington University Law School.
