Brandon Helms

Before joining the DOJ, Helms spent three years as a senior associate at AmLaw 100 firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP in Chicago, where he first-chaired and second-chaired multiple jury and bench trials in federal court; litigated patent infringement actions involving semiconductor technology; litigated Hatch-Waxman (ANDA) cases on behalf of generic drug companies; drafted discovery documents, motions, and briefs through all phases of district court and appellate litigation; and took and defended depositions of fact and expert witnesses.

Helms began his legal career at intellectual property law firm Brinks Gilson & Lione (now Crowell & Moring), first as a summer associate and then for four years as an associate. He represented companies in patent infringement cases, particularly generic drug companies in Hatch-Waxman lawsuits, and prepared, filed, and prosecuted utility and design patent applications.

Throughout his career, Helms has prioritized pro bono service. At Steptoe, he initiated the firm’s involvement with the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic. He has also represented pro bono clients in Title VII discrimination lawsuits. Helms earned his J.D. at DePaul University College of Law, where he was an associate editor of the DePaul Law Review. He earned a B.A. in chemistry from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Helms works in our Chicago office.