Finnegan understands that by cultivating a work environment of respect and inclusion for individuals from many backgrounds, we position ourselves to:
Our strategy of enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion includes, but is not limited to, internal and external initiatives that focus on recruiting, retention, a supportive infrastructure, professional association involvement, and community relations. We don’t just value diversity, we live it every day in thought, approach, and solutions.
Finnegan hallmarks are many, but the one that defines us most clearly is that we focus solely on the practice of intellectual property (IP) law. This means over 90 percent of our attorney recruits possess some sort of science or engineering background. Of Finnegan’s nearly 300 professionals possessing a science or engineering degree, more than 60 have a doctorate in a technical field. Workplace statistics show that women, Black, and Hispanic professionals continue to be underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) workforce. Through a range of initiatives, Finnegan works creatively and aggressively to recruit, as well as support, extraordinary and diverse professionals. The firm’s success and growth are proof of the benefits of a collaborative culture that supports a range of initiatives to attract diverse talent.
Finnegan has instituted or is affiliated with a number of programs that target retention, professional and business development, and promotion of our women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ colleagues. The firm works diligently and creatively to hone existing programs and develop new ones to ensure that our attorneys and administrative professionals are given a competitive edge when it makes promotional decisions. A partial list of the programs is below.
Finnegan supports the formation of affinity groups, which provide a space for mentoring, connecting, personal and professional development, and business development among those with common interests. Currently, the firm has seven formal affinity groups, which are listed below along with their co-chairs.
Finnegan FORWARD (Focused on Raising Women’s Advancement, Representation, and Development) is Finnegan’s women’s business initiative. It focuses on key initiatives to address issues impacting female attorneys in intellectual property, across all aspects of patent, trademark, and copyright, as well as IP issues related to trade secrets, advertising, and marketing law. Initiatives include enhancing marketing and recruiting efforts to retain high-performing women; identifying business development opportunities for our female attorneys; offering strategies to overcome the challenges of developing a book of business; providing education and training for our women attorneys; and supporting their leadership opportunities. Finnegan FORWARD encompasses the firm's Women’s Forum, serving the internal mentoring, networking, and educational needs of the firm’s women, planning formal and informal events (both social and educational) designed to empower our women and to enhance their professional and social relationships.
Finnegan looks for opportunities on an ongoing basis to improve policies, procedures, and support systems that help all of our employees succeed in their professional lives.
In addition to the good feeling one gets from helping others, giving back is also an opportunity to receive knowledge, expertise, and experience. Finnegan proudly supports, via human and financial resources, a number of efforts impacting marginalized communities, refugees, veterans, those wrongfully convicted, and others who may not be heard without our assistance. A small number of these efforts are listed below.
Many of these efforts are through our robust pro bono program. To learn more about additional efforts in the program, please visit the firm’s pro bono page here.
Finnegan supports, sponsors, and/or participates in numerous organizations aiming to (1) increase diversity and inclusion in IP law and the legal industry; (2) provide crucial leadership, development, and networking opportunities for diverse attorneys; and (3) advance justice for those in marginalized communities. Some of the organizations we support are listed below.
Finnegan is proud to consistently be recognized as one of the nation’s top law firms for diversity. Recent accolades include:
Conference
2024 Hispanic National Bar Association Corporate Counsel Conference
March 20-22, 2024
Seattle
Podcasts
A Conversation with Vaishali Udupa, Commissioner for Patents of the USPTO
February 27, 2024
Conference
23rd Annual Charting Your Own Course Career Development Conference
December 7-10, 2023
Orlando
Award/Ranking
Linda Thayer Receives Posthumous 2023 Women, Influence & Power in Law Lifetime Achievement Award
October 19, 2023
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Finnegan is thrilled to announce the launch of our new blog, Ad Law Buzz, devoted solely to breaking news, developments, trends, and analysis in advertising law.