Gibson Dunn Added Partners to Dallas IP Practice
The firm hired Nicholas Mathews and Erik Fountain to bolster its intellectual property group in Dallas.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
Gibson Dunn announced the addition of Nicholas Mathews and Erik Fountain as new partners in its Dallas intellectual property practice group. The two lawyers transitioned to the firm from McKool Smith.
Why it matters
The recruitment of experienced legal professionals in intellectual property is a strategic move for firms looking to expand their presence in the Dallas market. This hiring reflects ongoing efforts by law firms to secure specialized talent for high-stakes litigation and legal advisory services.
Gibson Dunn added two veteran attorneys to its Dallas intellectual property team. These hires follow their extended tenures at McKool Smith and, in the case of Fountain, a stint at Sidley Austin.
The players
Gibson Dunn
This is a prominent international law firm known for handling complex litigation and corporate transactions.
Nicholas Mathews
He is an experienced attorney who spent over a decade practicing law at McKool Smith prior to his move.
Erik Fountain
He is a legal professional with previous experience at both Sidley Austin and McKool Smith.
McKool Smith
This is a trial law firm based in Dallas that frequently handles complex intellectual property disputes.
Sidley Austin
This is a large, full-service global law firm that provides a wide range of legal services to corporate clients.
The details
Nicholas Mathews and Erik Fountain join the firm after their previous roles at McKool Smith, where Mathews had worked since 2013 and Fountain since 2024. Their combined experience includes previous work at Sidley Austin, bringing a breadth of legal knowledge to the Gibson Dunn Dallas office.
Timeline
Nicholas Mathews began his employment at McKool Smith in 2013.
Erik Fountain started his first tenure at McKool Smith in 2015.
Erik Fountain transitioned to Sidley Austin in 2021 before returning to McKool Smith in 2024.
Gibson Dunn officially announced the hiring of both partners on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move follows the ongoing expansion of Big Law intellectual property practices in Texas. By securing seasoned partners, Gibson Dunn strengthens its competitive position against other major firms operating within the Dallas legal market.
For corporate clients, this hiring shift signals an increased capacity for specialized intellectual property legal support in the local area. Businesses in Dallas may now have additional options when seeking representation for complex patent or trademark litigation.
The takeaway
Law firms continue to prioritize the recruitment of experienced partners to maintain competitive advantages in specialized legal sectors. Readers should note that moves between major firms often signal shifts in the local market's ability to handle complex litigation.
Further reading
For more news on career shifts in the region, visit our People section.
