Ex-Brown Rudnick lawyers debut MSO-based IP boutique in Washington, D.C.
Former Brown Rudnick lawyers launched Miletus Intellectual Property Management in D.C. using an MSO model.
Why it matters: The MSO approach lets the new boutique law firm deliver bundled legal and business advisory services—offering a model for other specialty practices looking to innovate their service delivery.
- Miletus Intellectual Property Management launched April 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
- The firm utilizes a management services organization (MSO) structure to integrate legal and consulting offerings.
- Founders include Ryan C. Smith, Ph.D., and other former Brown Rudnick attorneys.
- Miletus operates in partnership with a life sciences advisory business to support clients in complex IP matters.
Former Brown Rudnick lawyers have launched Miletus Intellectual Property Management LLP, an IP-focused boutique in Washington, D.C. The firm began operations on April 14, 2026, adopting a management services organization (MSO) model that allows for integrated delivery of legal and advisory services.
- Miletus's founders include former Brown Rudnick partner Ryan C. Smith, Ph.D., known for his work in intellectual property law. Other core attorneys have significant experience in life sciences, patents, and strategic counseling.
- Through its MSO structure, Miletus partners with a related life sciences advisory business. This pairing lets the firm offer clients seamless access to legal expertise and non-legal industry advice without running afoul of traditional legal industry structure rules.
- Adopting the MSO model gives Miletus flexibility in staffing, operational scaling, and the kinds of services it can provide, according to coverage from Bloomberg Law and Legaltech News.
- The approach is gaining attention in sectors facing rapid innovation—like IP, tech, and life sciences—where clients increasingly expect law firms to offer holistic, consulting-style solutions.
The Miletus team brings together patent prosecutors, litigators, and consultants with deep sector experience. Their collaboration with an external advisory group lets clients access cross-disciplinary guidance on monetizing intellectual property and navigating regulatory developments.
Miletus's launch could signal expanded use of the MSO structure among boutique specialty law firms, providing a template for integrating legal and business advisory support in highly regulated or technical fields.
Yes, but: The MSO model, while providing operational flexibility, may still face regulatory scrutiny in certain jurisdictions, and isn't widely adopted among established law firms.