Paul F. Brinkman

Paul F. Brinkman, P.C., is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, where his practice centers on intellectual property and international trade disputes. With over 25 years of experience, he has litigated more than 85 Section 337 investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission, serving as lead counsel in over 20 trials. His work has secured exclusion orders, favorable settlements, and trial victories protecting clients’ market positions.

Mr. Brinkman earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he contributed to both the Virginia Law Review and Virginia Journal of International Law. He also completed an M.Phil. at Cambridge University and received his B.A. from Yale University. This strong academic training laid the foundation for a distinguished career combining intellectual rigor with practical trial advocacy.

Recognized nationally and internationally, Mr. Brinkman has been profiled twice by Law360 as an “International Trade MVP” and ranked by Chambers, IAM Patent 1000, and The Legal 500 as a leading practitioner. Described as “unflappable, measured, and technically superb,” he has handled disputes involving technologies ranging from smartphones and semiconductors to medical devices and industrial processes. His trade-law background provides him with unique expertise in collaborating with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enforce ITC exclusion orders and achieve favorable outcomes for clients.

In addition to his litigation practice, Paul F. Brinkman is a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and serves on nonprofit boards that support education and legal aid. His career reflects both courtroom excellence and dedication to advancing access to justice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Virginia Bar Association
• Member, Legal Aid Justice Center’s Northern Virginia, Advisory Council

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Virginia (inactive)

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctorate (JD)
• University of Cambridge
  M. Phil in International Relations
• Yale University
  BA in Political Science

Awards & Badges