Voices, Innovation, Solidarity, Inclusion, Opportunity, Network

Finnegan hallmarks are many, but the one that defines us most clearly is that we primarily focus 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. Through a range of initiatives, Finnegan works creatively to recruit, as well as support professionals from all backgrounds and experiences. The firm’s success and growth are proof of the benefits of a collaborative culture that supports a range of initiatives to attract talent.

• Finnegan IP University is a free virtual series that introduces college and graduate students to IP and exciting career opportunities. Through this program, students will learn about the nuts and bolts of the U.S. patent system, various types of IP rights, the basics of drafting patent applications, and how to prosecute those applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Students will have an opportunity to meet and network with IP professionals at Finnegan to gain an understanding of what it means to be an IP and patent attorney, and the possibilities that a career in IP offers. Finnegan is committed to building an inclusive talent pipeline of IP professionals and raising the awareness about IP among students. Students who complete Finnegan IP University are given priority consideration for career opportunities as a Technical Specialist at Finnegan.
  
  
• Our recruiting efforts include direct outreach to many student organizations on law school campuses. This interaction provides students with an interest in IP to learn more about Finnegan and, more broadly, about careers in IP law.

Finnegan has instituted or is affiliated with a number of programs that target retention, professional and business development, and promotion of attorneys and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and experiences. 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.

• LEAP (Learn, Enrich, Achieve, Progress) Program - Our firm has a robust training curriculum that is designed to support the continued growth and development of attorneys at all levels. Finnegan believes that training and ongoing education are essential to developing the best attorneys and advocates for our clients. With multiple training and education components, LEAP is designed to enhance the firm’s existing training and mentoring activities throughout the year. This highly ranked program arms our team with the tools and resources necessary to practice law in an ever-evolving legal and business market.
  
  The LEAP calendar includes the following programs: litigation training, advanced legal writing, advanced patent prosecution, practice before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), advanced technical and legal research, business development training and individualized coaching, billing and timekeeping, budget development, accounting for lawyers, persuasive speaking, law firm economics, presentation skills, leadership, management, and delegation.
  
  
• Mentoring - A truly engaged community is one in which everyone is a teacher—and also a learner. This philosophy is the basis of the mentorship program at Finnegan. All of our new lawyers are paired with a senior associate and partner advisor who share similar interests and backgrounds. Our collegial nature ensures that doors are always open, and questions—no matter the nature—are always answered. Our partner advisor-associate mentee program aims to address the needs of our attorneys.
  
  
• Attorney Sponsorship Program - The firm has a formal sponsorship program for our attorneys. The program is designed to further support the development, retention, and advancement of attorneys within the firm. As participants advance within the firm, they are paired to draw on the invaluable knowledge and influence of those in the highest levels of leadership within the firm (Management/Compensation Committees and Practice Group Leaders).
  
  
• Secondments - Secondments offer invaluable opportunities for attorneys to build client relationships. Having a first-hand look at the culture within a client’s organization, as well as its business operations and risks, positions the attorney to devise solutions that work best for the client.
  
  
• VISION Corporate Partnership - Finnegan’s VISION Corporate Partnership provides a unique opportunity for law students to gain exposure to both law firm practice and corporate in-house legal departments. This program includes paid 1L Summer Associate positions in our US offices, as well as a corporate internship with our corporate partners. Since launching the program in 2021, we have partnered with a number of companies such as Georgia Pacific, Raytheon Technologies, Intuitive, Fidelity National Information Services, Bay Materials, MaxCyte, and Eli Lilly.
  
  
• VISION Corporate Mentor Program - Finnegan is partnering with firm clients through a mentorship program for mid-level, high-performing associates. The year-long program is designed to grow associates’ business development, relationship building, and leadership skills.

• Heritage Month Celebrations - We support community and belonging among Finnegan family, which reflects a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures. Throughout the year, we celebrate and learn together, including during Black History Month, Women’s History, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, Diwali Festival of Lights, and Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebratory events have featured inventors, , artists, lawyers, judges, and change makers. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for everyone to learn more about all cultures, experiences, and history, and to strengthen our community and foster a sense of belonging.

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. We aim to create an inclusive environment that supports our colleagues, caregivers, and allies. By raising awareness, reducing bias, and strengthening support, we strive to empower all individuals and communities to thrive as they are. Every affinity group is open to all Finnegan attorneys, employees and staff.

•  African American Affinity Group
  
  
• AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Affinity Group
  
  
• Hispanic/Latino Affinity Group
  
  
• LGBTQ+ Affinity Group
  
  
• Neurodiversity Affinity Group
  
  
• South Asian and MENA Affinity Group

Finnegan FORWARD focuses on addressing issues unique to women in intellectual property. Finnegan FORWARD facilitates and leads discussions on the topics of allyship and the advancement of women in the workplace, with a particular focus on business generation, education and training, and supporting merit-based leadership and other advancement. Finnegan FORWARD is open to all attorneys.

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.

• Several years ago, the firm established two part-time options (80 percent and 60 percent time), which provide attorneys (regardless of gender or parenthood status) with a continued path to partnership at the firm while working a reduced schedule.
• We encourage inclusivity efforts by all attorneys. Those who contribute to the inclusion-related goals through mentoring, training, or other initiatives receive nonbillable credit for such activities.
• For more than 25 years, Finnegan has hosted an International Guest Program that has welcomed more than 225 professionals from around the world to work at the firm on a temporary basis.

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 and others who may not be heard without our assistance. 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 inclusion in IP law and the legal industry; (2) provide crucial leadership, development, and networking opportunities for attorneys; and (3) advance justice for those in marginalized communities.

Finnegan is proud to consistently be recognized as one of the nation’s top law firms for community, inclusion, and belonging.