By Kristin Enyart, McKinney 4L
On, Sept. 30, the IndyBar and IU McKinney OPD co-hosted Career Insights for Aspiring Female IP Attorneys. This event provided an opportunity for law students to interact with a panel of accomplished female IP attorneys who practice in the Indianapolis area.
The panelists were Angela Freeman, Barnes & Thornburg LLP; Lindsey Rothrock, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP; and Elizabeth Shuster, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. Each panelist spoke about her own journey to becoming an IP practitioner and her typical workday. Students were able to ask questions and gained insights and advice on getting into and maintaining a career in IP law.
Freeman and Shuster practice primarily in patent prosecution. To do this type of work, an attorney must have a technical background and pass the MPEP (patent bar). This challenging exam is not focused on science but on the procedures of prosecuting a patent. Preparation for the exam requires substantial effort, but it is available for law students who want to distinguish themselves. Scholarships for the exam are available from IndyBar as well as other entities.
IP law is not limited to those who have a scientific undergraduate degree. Rothrock focuses mainly on trademark law, which does not require the MPEP. Patent litigation, copyright, software and data privacy are some other IP practice areas that are open to all lawyers. While it is possible to practice in more than one of these areas, the tendency in larger firms is for a lawyer to spend most of her time in one type of IP law and pass other types of cases on to colleagues. Having depth of knowledge in a particular practice area promotes a better understanding of the client’s business operations, something clients value.
Another lesson that students took from the panelists is the importance of business development. Having a wide network that brings business to your firm can be an important part of an attorney’s career. Students can start building their network now by getting to know their fellow students and becoming involved in organizations like the IndyBar. Each of the panelists is active in professional organizations that advance the interests of women and IP law. Students who want to learn more about IP law and expand their legal network are encouraged to get involved in these organizations:
Women & Hi Tech
ChIPs (Chiefs in Intellectual Property)
The S. Jay Plager Intellectual Property American Inn of Court
The IndyBar IP Section
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