Finnegan Names Firm Lifers as Next Managing Partner, New Chair

On July 1, 2019, Anand Sharma began his term as managing partner, overseeing Finnegan's worldwide operations. He is the firm's first managing partner of color and succeeds Mark Sweet, who assumed the role of firm chair. The American Lawyer contacted Anand to discuss his journey at Finnegan and goals for his new role. 

Anand, who studied mechanical engineering and focuses his practice on patent prosecution and patent litigation, began his career at Finnegan in 1995 as a second-year summer associate. He was hired after graduating law school and later made partner in 2006. He said, "I haven’t updated my resume since the second year of law school. It’s been a very happy ride.”

In his role as managing partner, Anand will manage the firm's day-to-day operations. He said, "This is an opportunity to manage a firm that has a long history of excellence in the intellectual property space. One of my first goals is to apply my perspectives and my view to help us maintain this history and keep us at the top." Anand went on to say, “Because we’ve long been this firm that’s focused on IP, we have a unique set of accrued knowledge. We’ll be working to continue to turn legal experiences and technology expertise as scientists into efficient solutions for clients.”

Born in Guyana, South America, of East Indian descent, diversity is a vital focus for Anand. He served as the firm's first diversity chair a decade ago. He said, "I thought [being promoted to managing partner] was important, not just because the firm thought my perspective could add value, but also from the outside looking in because not a lot of partners of color get this experience. This is important externally to show there are opportunities to be involved.”