Working Here
We didn’t get to be among the nation’s top IP firms by chance. We got there by strategically attracting—and retaining—the top in their field in technology and law. Finnegan takes great pride in hiring at the entry level and developing and promoting talent from within (rather than relying heavily on lateral hiring). This culture creates immense opportunity for those we hire, since we focus intensely on fostering our future leaders from the ground up.
> Learn more about Working Here
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The Talent Advantage – Training and Professional Development Take a Front Seat at Finnegan
At Finnegan, you will receive all of the resources and training you need to assist you in becoming an exceptional attorney providing superior service to our clients. Sourcing our internal resources and experts, and working with outside consultants, Finnegan offers the following formal training programs:
Transferable Skill Development | Time Management/ Organization | Client Relationship/ Management | Verbal & Interpersonal Communication | Business Development & Marketing | ||
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| Client Intake Process Working with In-House Counsel Budgets The Client’s Perspective Managing the Client |
Converting the Lead and Creating Your Best Pitch Managing a Project Team Communication Across Cultures and Between Genders Networking Within and Outside Finnegan's Walls Speaking in Business Meetings Persuasive Speaking Impromptu Speaking Fine Art of Small Talk Acting for Lawyers Painless Public Speaking Building Persuasive PowerPoints | How Marketing Supports New Associates Business Development Strategies for New Associates Intro to PR/Social Media LinkedIn/Social Media and Business Development - Best Practices Senior Associate Business Development and Coaching Program How to Write a Business Development Plan Business Development 101 (every 2- 2.5 years) Business Development 102 (every 2 - 2.5 years) Business Development 103 (bi-annual) Conflicts & Business Development (bi-annual) | ||
Patent Office Practice | PTAB | Litigation | Writing | Analytical/ | ||
Potential Arguments to Raise in Preventing IPRs for Orange Book Listed Patents Prosecuting and Litigating Antibody Claims How to Use EPO Observations and Oppositions to Help with US Litigation AIA Litigation Strategy Multiparty Infringement IPMT Practice Overview PTA Best Practices - IPR Design Patents Training Finnegan, PTO and You Prosecution Bootcamp Developing a Successful Prosecution/Counseling Practice Claim Construction Claims Analysis/Drafting Maze ExParte Appeals Reissue/Reexam Software Licensing Agreements Claim drafting and application preparation: Where to start How to draft an application specification USPTO prosecution overview and strategies Filing a patent application: Formalities & Strategies Responding to papers/OAs in PCT and Foreign Appeals (briefs and oral hearing) Patent law: Section 112, Section 101, Section 102, & Section 103 Double patenting
| PTAB Roundtables (every other month) PTAB Petition Drafting Workshop Intro to PTAB Training Series: Introduction and Overview to AIA Trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Discovery and Evidence before the PTAB PTAB Trial Mechanics, Claim Construction, and Amendments Drafting a Complete and Compliant Petition | NITA Deposition Workshop NITA Expert Workshop UVA Trial College District Court Litigations Advocacy before Judge/Jury Taking/Defending Depositions Supreme Court Patent Cases Document Review/E-discovery Litigation Legal Assistant Department Litigation 101- District v. ITC ITC Workshops Subpoenas Litigation Skill Series: Direct/ Cross Examination Prepare Case Offense/Defense Written Discovery AntiTrust/ Settlement Agreements Witness Prep Claim Construction Working with Experts Motions Practice Arguing Before a Judge and Jury | One-on-one Coaching Small Group Workshops for New Attorneys Writing For ESL Professionals Application Drafting Writing as an Advocate Advanced Legal Writing Brief Writing | Westlaw/Lexis sessions Litigation Research & Customized Data Mining Advanced Legal Research Technical Research |
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Summer Program
We actively recruit at a number of national and regional law schools for our Summer Associate program (all 5 of our US-based offices have formal summer programs). Our Summer Associate Program is designed to expose law students to the field of intellectual property law and to provide an accurate idea of an associate's work at the firm. The 10-week summer program stresses professionalism, training, and development. Last year, our summer associates had the opportunity to engage in a diverse mix of work, including: attending trials, appellate and motion hearings, depositions, and client meetings; researching and writing on various patent, trademark, copyright, procedural, and evidentiary issues; prosecuting patent and trademark applications; writing speeches and articles; and presenting reviews of recent Federal Circuit and Supreme Court decisions.
In addition to getting real work assignments, you will have plenty of opportunities to get to know our attorneys. Social events may include poker parties, group lunches, golfing, cook-offs, baseball games, wine tastings, and more. Below are pictures from our events:
> Learn more about our Summer Program
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A few words from our attorneys:
“I continue to be amazed by the tremendous diversity of backgrounds and experiences of Finnegan’s lawyers, and I take pride in how we are each able to bring our unique talents together to form a cohesive and strong firm. Over 20 years after first joining the firm as an associate, I am now a partner in the Reston office. We are constantly looking for talented and motivated law students who are eager to combine their interests in law and science in a challenging yet supportive environment. I can say without hesitation that Finnegan remains the best place to pursue a career as an IP attorney.”
Scott Burwell /Partner, Reston
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“I joined Finnegan as a summer associate in 2008 and have been with the firm ever since. When researching law firms during law school, I came across Finnegan and was impressed by its reputation for high quality of work, depth and variety of clients working on cutting edge technologies, and commitment to diversity. After interviewing with Finnegan for a summer associate position, I instantly knew I wanted to join the firm. Everyone I met was engaged in their practice and genuinely happy to work at Finnegan. Years later, the same holds true. Finnegan has provided me with training and opportunities to thrive as a successful attorney, and championed my commitment to diversity through my involvement with organizations like the Hispanic National Bar Association. Finnegan's commitment to develop not just excellent attorneys, but well-rounded leaders is the reason why I would like to invite you to join our team."
Cecilia Sanabria / Partner, Washington
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I’ve been with Finnegan since 1994. Originally, I was attracted by Finnegan’s reputation and Student-Associate Program, which provides professional opportunities for law students going to school at night at local law schools. The Firm helped put me though law school and supported my studies, ensuring that I got the most out of my law school experience, including being a member of my school’s law review. After graduating, I helped open Finnegan’s Palo Alto Office, the first domestic office outside of D.C. I am very proud that we were able to replicate in Palo Alto the same culture and reputation for excellence that attracted me to Finnegan in the first place. I was provided outstanding opportunities to work on interesting and important cases, as well as to take leadership positions within the Firm. I have been the head of the Firm’s appellate group, a member of the management committee, the Palo Alto Office’s managing partner, and its hiring partner. I am grateful for the career that working at Finnegan made possible.”
Erik Puknys / Partner, Palo Alto
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“When I first joined Finnegan after finishing my PhD, I was hoping for a practice that would allow me to stay close to my scientific roots. Absorbing the groundbreaking science that comes to Finnegan has been like drinking from a fire hose in the best possible way. I feel privileged to have helped steer novel treatments towards patients, by facilitating acquisitions and collaborations that move ideas towards viability, clearing the path for freedom to operate, and developing patent portfolios that reinforce commercial success. On more than one occasion, I have been moved to tears by our clients’ clinical trial results. At Finnegan, I have talented colleagues and supportive mentors who are generous with their time, advice, and giving credit where credit is due. We also have incomparable clients who, no doubt, are the reason we can have such a collegial environment. I am not prone hyperbole, and I do mean incomparable: during my maternity leave years ago, I received nine boxes of baby gifts curated by season and size from a startup client (proudly, the client has since IPOed and launched several clinical trials). I credit Finnegan for launching me into the law, supporting me while I worked and attended Harvard Law School, and continuing to encourage my mixed practice of patent litigation, prosecution, and counseling in the life sciences industry, which is a rarity amongst law firms. Incomparable.”
Lulu Wang / Associate, Boston
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