BakerHostetler kicks off 2025 with Addition of Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment Partners
By Lawdragon News | January 8, 2025 | Press Releases
Key takeaways
- Susan Kayser joins BakerHostetler’s Washington office as a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group and as a member of the Trademark and Copyright team. In addition, Timothy Payne and David Diorio join the firm’s Chicago office as partners in the Labor and Employment Practice Group and as members of the Immigration team.
- Kayser comes from an AmLaw 50 firm and concentrates on trademark, advertising and copyright litigation and complex matters for international and emerging brands in the fashion, consumer products and technology industries.
- Payne and Diorio also join from an AmLaw 50 firm, where they provided high-quality immigration case processing and compliance best practices for clients in a wide range of industries.
- Their proven track records strengthen BakerHostetler’s capabilities and align with the firm’s strategy of further enhancing its growing IP and Labor and Employment practices in Washington and Chicago and across the U.S.
Why this matters
With more than more than three decades of IP and litigation experience, Kayser represents some of the world’s most recognizable brands across various industries, including a leading global e-commerce company and a prominent fashion retailer. Together, Payne and Diorio offer more than 40 years of providing immigration services to multinational and U.S. corporations, not-for-profit organizations, health care institutions and high-net-worth individuals.
After opening a new office in Austin, Texas, and adding 10 highly accomplished affordable housing attorneys on Jan. 1, BakerHostetler continues its strong growth in 2025 with this group of partners.
Key quote
“The protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights is increasingly top of mind for our clients,” said Mark Tidman, firmwide chair of the IP Practice Group. “BakerHostetler has been strategically expanding its IP presence in key markets for several years, and Susan’s arrival strengthens our capabilities, particularly in litigation. Her addition will greatly benefit our existing clients and allow us to broaden our reach.”
About Kayser’s practice
Known for her trademark, advertising and copyright litigation and complex intellectual property disputes work, Kayser represents clients across industries, including fashion, consumer products and technology. She has significant experience obtaining and defeating preliminary injunctions in federal courts nationwide. She also manages global trademark portfolios. Kayser has achieved significant victories in multiple federal courts and the United States Patent and Trademark Office Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, securing key decisions for her clients.
In addition to her trademark and copyright work, Kayser also advises clients on the intersection of intellectual property and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, offering guidance on compliance policies and risk management. She also represents clients in connection with Lanham Act false advertising claims in federal court and National Advertising Division proceedings. She also counsels on advertising compliance and clearing marketing campaigns. Her copyright practice encompasses the protection and enforcement of works, such as fabric designs, artwork and architectural plans.
Kayser received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the American University Washington College of Law and her B.A. from American University.
Key quote
“Susan is an accomplished litigator who brings a strategic and practical approach to helping clients protect and leverage their intellectual property in an ever-changing market,” said Jeff Paravano, managing partner of the firm’s Washington office. “Her addition strengthens our offerings of innovative IP counsel, and we are excited to be enhancing the depth and breadth of our service offerings to established and emerging brands.”
About Payne’s practice
With 30 years of experience in immigration law, Payne has a deep understanding of the complex and dynamic legal and regulatory environment, as well as the business and human needs of his clients. His practice covers a wide range of work visas, as well as green card and citizenship applications, for individuals and corporations. Payne also advises and assists clients on immigration issues related to mergers and other corporate changes and helps them develop sensible immigration policies and practices to manage risks associated with hiring foreign national employees.
Payne received his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, and his B.A. from the University of Illinois.
Key quote
“Tim and David come to us with stellar reputations for providing counsel on a wide range of immigration-related corporate issues,” said Amy Traub, chair of the firm’s nationwide Labor and Employment Practice Group. “They’re also highly skilled in helping businesses plan temporary assignments for employees and navigating complex U.S. immigration agency restrictions on temporary work visas. Their experience and know-how will enable us to take our immigration service to the next level.”
About Diorio’s practice
With a focus on business immigration law, Diorio assists clients on employment-related immigration and compliance matters, including nonimmigrant visas, employment-based immigrant visas, the PERM labor certification process, internal and government audits of I-9 and immigration-related wage and hour compliance, and immigration support for mergers and acquisitions. In addition, he helps employers with customized immigration programs and policies that optimize their hiring, onboarding and retention of foreign employees.
Diorio received his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School and his B.A. from Wake Forest University.
Key quote
“Tim and David are highly regarded in immigration law circles, so I am very pleased to welcome them to the firm and our office,” said Leif Sigmond, partner-in-charge of the firm’s Chicago office. “They augment our capabilities in this crucial practice area and bolster our standing as a national leader in labor and employment law.”
Connect with us on LinkedIn at @BakerHostetler, @MarkTidman, @JeffParavano, @AmyTraub, @LeifSigmond, @SusanKayser, @TimothyPayne or @DavidDiorio or on the social platform X at @BakerHostetler.
About BakerHostetler
BakerHostetler helps clients around the world address their most complex and critical business and regulatory issues. Our highly ranked attorneys deliver sophisticated counsel and outstanding client service. We have six core practice groups — Business, Digital Assets and Data Management, Intellectual Property, Labor and Employment, Litigation, and Tax — and more than 1,000 lawyers coast to coast. For more information, visit bakerlaw.com.
