As part of our recent wave of new talent across the firm, we’re proud to spotlight three exceptional attorneys who joined us this year as lateral hires: Bahram Samie (Counsel, Minneapolis), Brinton Scott (Of Counsel, Los Angeles), and William Kolb (Partner, New York).
With backgrounds spanning federal civil rights enforcement, international M&A and compliance, and high-stakes insurance coverage litigation, they each bring deep experience and unique perspectives to the firm. To help you get to know them better, we asked them each the same five questions. Here’s what they had to say:
1. What attracted you to Robins Kaplan, and what do you hope to accomplish here?
Scott: I was introduced to the firm by a longtime friend, retired Best Buy general counsel Keith Nelsen, who had great respect for the litigation team here. My clients require significant assistance with contentious matters in the US. The firm’s reputation in this respect is stellar. I’ve worked extensively with clients from all over the world. I see an opportunity to use my relationships to bring these clients into the firm and expand our litigation work in the U.S.
Kolb: Robins Kaplan has a strong reputation for professionalism and exceptional work. I’m excited to contribute to the continued growth of the insurance practice and expand our client base.
Samie: I was drawn to Robins Kaplan because the firm handles both affirmative and defensive work, in a variety of practice areas. And the firm has a rich history of taking cases to trial. I hope to build relationships with our clients, listen to them, and work with them to navigate complex issues and find the best possible outcomes.
2. What’s one standout moment from your career so far—and what did you take away from it?
Scott: Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of advising multinational companies on some of their most strategic and sensitive matters. One standout experience was helping Allianz, a global insurance company, navigate a multi-year acquisition and regulatory approval process in China. It required careful coordination across multiple countries, regulatory systems, and teams to get the deal across the finish line.
Kolb: One standout moment from my career was working on some of the first Hurricane Katrina coverage cases. I visited New Orleans shortly after the storm and helped litigate both state and federal matters. Those cases presented novel issues and set important precedents. It was a powerful reminder of how insurance law evolves alongside real-world events.
Samie: There are many to choose from, but winning a jury verdict after a six-week trial in a complex healthcare fraud matter was very meaningful for me. Above all, the team dynamic made it a very fulfilling experience. With the support of my office and colleagues, we assembled a talented group of individuals to try the case. In the face of a lot of pressure and working around the clock, everyone brought their best performance towards the common goal of meeting our burden of proof. It was very rewarding to connect with the jury and hear that they agreed with our case.
3. How does your background influence your approach to client work today?
Scott: After 28 years of living and working in China, I have a deep understanding of cross-border deals and regulatory environments. My transactional background includes M&A, compliance, and Greenfield projects across Asia, the EU, and the U.S., which helps me guide clients through global business challenges with clarity and confidence.
Kolb: My background has always helped me with problem solving, especially when I’m faced with new or unique situations. It’s also helped me stay ahead of emerging trends in the industry. A lot of the work I do involves technical issues or coverage questions we haven’t seen before, and that experience gives me a solid foundation to navigate those first-of-their-kind cases.
Samie: I have been lucky to handle a large variety of cases throughout my career, as counsel for plaintiffs and for defendants. I think that balanced experience helps me fairly evaluate new matters, identify key issues, and develop litigation strategies that best position the client’s interests.
4. What’s a trend or challenge in your practice area that you think clients should be paying attention to?
Scott: Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the legal industry, especially around efficiency and staffing. Clients increasingly expect more for less, and AI has the potential to meet those expectations. But it’s not just about adopting the technology; it’s about using it wisely to deliver better outcomes without sacrificing quality.
Kolb: Technological advancements are creating new risks across industries, leading to new claims and coverage disputes. I think clients should continue to be proactive in how they evaluate and underwrite these exposures.
Samie: Any time there is a change in a federal or state administration, you will see new enforcement initiatives. For instance, government inquiries may now broaden in scope to include hybrid civil rights and fraud investigations. It is important for clients to track such trends and get ahead of potential issues to the extent possible. I spent many years working on civil rights and civil fraud enforcement for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. It will be interesting to watch these trends develop.
5. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Scott: My wife and I live in the Pacific Northwest, where we love sailing, golfing, and escaping to the islands. We’re also avid travelers. Some all-time favorite spots include the Maldives, Thailand, and the south of France.
Kolb: Anything on the water—sailing, boating, or just spending time at the beach with family and friends.
Samie: I love to spend time with my wife and our three girls. Two years ago, we started a family goal of visiting all the U.S. national parks. We’ve gone to 10 so far!
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