In August 2023, Finnegan hosted 15 aspiring IP professionals at its inaugural IP Summit in Washington, DC. The program, which is designed to increase the number of diverse students pursuing careers in IP law, was a multi-day immersion experience that allowed participants to learn all about careers within IP.
The Washington Lawyer spotlighted the program and interviewed several participants.
"[The summit] allowed me to reflect more on how I could use my experience to inspire [others) - those prospective and current law students who may need the hand holding that I did not necessarily get throughout this journey," said Lalla Maiga, a fourth-year student at Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and Summit participant.
“Being in that space with all those other law students gave me a sense of community that I have not really had in law school," said LaQuan Bates, a student at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey Law and Summit participant. "I learned that I'm smart, I have a voice, and I belong."
"[Finnegan] does a really good job of introducing patent law and patent topics to the students there," said Abigail ldokogi, a 2023 graduate from Howard Law School. "I enjoyed the partners who came and offered their time with us week after week. They even extended it into coffee chats because, essentially, their mission is to expose this area of the law to students who may not really hear about it."
For more information
To learn more about the IP Summit and to apply for the 2024 program, please click here.