BakerHostetler recently added an intellectual property practice to its Brentwood office, now the firm’s second such specialty on the West Coast.

To kick things off, the firm hired Olivia Kim and Ed Poplawski, bringing a 20-year partnership into the fold. Both are partners with the firm; Kim is now leading the IP practice in Los Angeles, which complements the practice in the Costa Mesa office established last year.

“I was very impressed with the firm’s commitment to grow the West Coast and to grow the IP group here,” she said. “When I met with management, it was very apparent they were very serious about that. I had an opportunity to join leadership and help in that commitment so that was a very exciting opportunity for me.”

Poplawski said a jury consultant he has long worked with suggested the pair take a look at BakerHostetler, which since 2019 has added more than 100 attorneys to its West Coast offices.

“We bring a nationally recognized, trial-ready team to BakerHostetler, which will solidify its already growing presence on the West Coast and enhance the firm’s national capabilities,” he said.

This won’t be Kim’s and Poplawski’s first rodeo together.

Poplawski was with Sidley Austin when Kim joined the firm as a summer associate 20 years ago. They teamed up for 10 years there, and then both moved to Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati to help open the Los Angeles office, where they worked until now. Poplawski headed the IP practice there that included a team in Palo Alto. At Sidley Austin, Poplawski was also head of the West Coast IP practice and co-chaired the firm’s global IP litigation practice.

Poplawski said he believes Kim is ready for the leadership role she has been awarded here.

“Teamwork and client service are at the very top of what we try to build as practicing lawyers. I’ve been fortunate throughout my career that I’ve been able to work with a lawyer like Olivia, because what it does is not only get us great results for our clients, but it makes us all much better lawyers and it makes a great environment to work together in,” he said. “Olivia has grown into a top trial lawyer in her own right and I’m very proud of that.”

Kim, formerly a working biochemist, lauded Poplawski as “a great mentor” who looks out for the people he works with. Notably, while at Sidley Austin, the two represented Cornell University in its successful patent lawsuit against Hewlett-Packard.

With Costa Mesa’s IP team now numbering 20 attorneys, Kim likely has many desks to fill in Los Angeles.

“Our strategic plan is to gather and hire the top IP talent, especially in the L.A. market,” she said. “I think there is a great talent here in L.A. and the West Coast.”