James Brelsford to Join Skadden's IP Group

PALO ALTO – November 29, 2012 – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP announced today that James F. Brelsford will join the firm in February 2013.  Mr. Brelsford will become of counsel to the firm's Intellectual Property group in Palo Alto and will advise clients on complex IP transactions, monetization strategies and litigation, including in cross-border matters, particularly in Asia.  Mr. Brelsford currently is Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President, IP Licensing at SanDisk Corporation.  SanDisk previously announced that Mr. Brelsford plans to leave the company in December to return to private practice.

As SanDisk's chief legal officer, Mr. Brelsford has been responsible for the company's legal affairs worldwide, including M&A, IP, sales/distribution, litigation and corporate governance matters.  In addition, Mr. Brelsford was responsible for the company’s IP licensing program.

"Jim has a rare combination of superb legal, strategic and operating skills and is one of Silicon Valley's most highly regarded intellectual property attorneys," said Kenton J. King, head of Skadden's Palo Alto office and global co-head of the firm's corporate transactions practices. "His grasp of the international legal landscape, particularly in Asia, and his vast and deep experience will further enhance our ability to handle our clients' most complex IP transactions and litigation matters.  We are delighted that he will be joining the firm."

Prior to joining SanDisk in 2007, Mr. Brelsford served as executive vice president of corporate and business development for global mobile media company Hands-On Mobile, Inc., where he handled myriad cross-border transactions, including its complex acquisition of a government-licensed China mobile media company, which doubled the company's revenue.

"I have experienced firsthand Skadden's tireless dedication to client service, which is truly unmatched," said Mr. Brelsford.  "Skadden's breadth of practice, international platform and sterling reputation provide an ideal base from which to utilize my experience.  I look forward to joining such an impressive group of attorneys."

From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Brelsford was a partner in the Technology Transactions/M&A Group at Jones Day, and from 1998-2000 he was managing partner of the Silicon Valley and San Francisco offices of Perkins Coie.  Earlier in his career, he was in private practice at Steinhart & Falconer and Morrison & Foerster.

Jim was named Best General Counsel in Northern California/Silicon Valley (large public company category) by the San Jose Business Journal/San Francisco Business Times at the Best Bay Area Corporate Counsel Awards 2010.