Chicago-based intellectual property boutique McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff has launched an Austin office, hiring Jeffrey Toler and five other IP lawyers from his firm, Toler Law Group.

Toler is now chairman of McDonnell Boehnen's new transactions and high-tech litigation strategy practice group. He joined the firm on Oct. 1, along with Benjamin Johnson, Kenton Mullins, Melissa Vanessah Pace and Christopher Scurry. James Gauger joined the firm's Chicago office. All six are of counsel to McDonnell Boehnen.

Grantland Drutchas, managing partner of McDonnell Boehnen, said the Toler group's practice  "dovetailed very well" with his firm's and will allow McDonnell Boehnen to expand its litigation offerings. The lateral group represents Fortune 500 companies and private companies in IP strategy and patent monetization, according to its new firm.