Longtime CEO of IP Law Firm Fish & Richardson Steps Down

Fish & Richardson’s CEO and president Peter Devlin is stepping down after two decades at the helm of the IP-focused firm, which expanded its size and reach significantly during his tenure.

Devlin, who worked with clients on patent, IP licensing, and due diligence services in the electrical and computer technology, medical device, and software industries, has spent most of his career at the Boston-based firm. He joined Fish & Richardson in 1987 and became partner in 1993.

In 2000 he became the firm’s CEO and president and, over the last two decades, has overseen Fish & Richardson’s growth into a prominent global IP law firm that now counts Microsoft, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Bose, Allergan, and Gilead Sciences among its clients.

Under Devlin’s leadership the firm’s profitability has quadrupled, jumping to $480 million in gross revenue in 2018, and its headcount has doubled to more than 360 lawyers. He also oversaw the opening of six new offices, including locations in Munich in 2007 and Shenzhen, China in 2019. The firm now has a total of 14 offices.

“[Devlin] leaves some very big shoes to fill, but we are very excited about continuing his legacy of excellence,” said management committee member and patent practice group leader John Hayden in a statement.

In early 2019 Devlin initiated a selection process for his successor. The firm’s nominating and management committee unanimously selected John Adkisson to serve as Fish & Richardson’s new president and CEO.

Adkisson specializes in patent infringement and trade secrets litigation. He joined the firm in 2001 from Robins Kaplan, then known as Robins Kaplan Miller & Ciresi. He is a partner in the firm’s Minneapolis office, its third largest.

The firm’s partners will vote on his candidacy at Fish & Richardson’s annual meeting Feb. 20.