Partner, Irell & Manella

Chu is one of the most recognized names in intellectual property litigation. In December 2019, Chu argued and won a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision on behalf of NantKwest, persuading the justices to strike down a Patent and Trademark Office policy that stated applicants who appeal to a district court must foot the office’s legal bills. Chu served as Irell’s co-managing partner for two terms from 1997 to 2003 and currently chairs the firm’s litigation group. He is a City of Hope board member and past president and chairman of the Harvard University Board of Overseers.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 4