John Harrity interviews for Law360 Pulse On Disrupting Law Firm Models
Law360 reported that Harrity is disrupting the traditional law firm model with significant contributions in charitable giving, diversity in the profession, and the automation of legal tasks. Co-founder John Harrity said the firm is doing things differently from many others in the field and plans to continue disrupting industry norms. This includes a goal to offer attorneys, patent agents, and staff a four-day workweek with the help of automation.
Harrity has grown from 14 attorneys and patent agents in 2017 to 45 today, and attributes some of its success to high-profile charity and diversity programs, which aim to improve the representation of minority groups within patent law through free education, training, and ongoing resources.
During the past five years, Harrity has increased its own number of practitioners from underrepresented groups from 8% to 40%. John discusses the firm’s diversity programs, including the Minority Firm Incubator that helps women-owned and minority-owned patent law firms grow and fine-tune their practices; the Harrity Academy, which brings more people from underrepresented groups into patent law; and the Patent Pathways™ (501 (c)(3)) program that specifically brings Black women with technical degrees into the field.
“In a few years, we’re going to look back at this Patent Pathways program and say it was the most impactful diversity program ever created. So that’s a pretty big intro to a program you probably haven’t heard of yet,” John states.
Hear about these and other firm initiatives in this exclusive interview with Law360 Pulse. Read the full article HERE.
Want more? Listen to Eli Mazour‘s Clause 8 Podcast featuring John Harrity HERE. John shares his thoughts on everything from how firms in the patent law space should be innovating, to some of the secrets of our own firm’s success.
Elaine Spector, Partner at Harrity & Harrity, LLP, and ChIPs Washington D.C. Member, was featured in ChIPs recent spotlight, “How to Make the Future DigitALL,” which focuses on improving diversity and inclusion for women in IP. Her response? Persevere! Read the full interview below.
Q: What actions are needed to keep more women and diversity in the rooms where innovation is happening?
A: I think the most impactful action step to keep more women and diversity in the rooms where innovation is happening is to inform women about the innovation process as well as careers in the intellectual property (IP). Many women with STEM degrees don’t know that they can enter the patent profession without going to law school. You will find that many of us who entered the profession were told about it through a family member or family friend. As we inform women about the innovation process as well as careers in IP, they can then take the steps needed to be included by speaking up and being proactive with regard to invention submissions. If innovation is not their thing, they can be part of the innovation process by becoming a registered patent practitioner without having to go to law school. I am a true believer that knowledge is power! And we, as women, are more powerful than we even know.
Q: What actions can open pathways for the next generation to thrive?
A: We need more outreach programs to women to get them interested in STEM fields, as well as well as being proactive in nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit in women. Men are taught to take risks, while women are taught to be perfectionists. We need to encourage the younger generation of women to take risks. My advice for the girl or woman behind me is to not give up, to persevere. I strongly suggest building a network of like-minded women (and men) who can support you during the tough times. I’ve developed amazing friendships with women who are very similar to me, who absolutely understand my struggles. Feeling seen and heard and cared for you other women has been integral to my success.
Q: What advice would you give to the girl or woman coming up behind you?
A: My advice for the girl or woman behind me is to not give up, to persevere. I strongly suggest building a network of like-minded women (and men) who can support you during the tough times. I’ve developed amazing friendships with women who are very similar to me, who absolutely understand my struggles. Feeling seen and heard and cared for you other women has been integral to my success.
Q: How does your company embrace equity?
A: Harrity & Harrity, LLP is one of the few law firms that dedicates thousands of hours to outreach programs to change diversity of the patent profession.
[Harrity & Harrity’s diversity programs include Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop, Patent Pathways for Black women, the Minority Firm Incubator 2.0 for minority-owned firms, and the Harrity Academy™. To learn more about Harrity & Harrity’s diversity programs, visit: https://harrityllp.com/diversity.]
Q: How do you innovate? How do your life experiences
impact your innovation?
A: I am so grateful to be part of a law firm that prides itself on innovation. Harrity innovates in many areas, including automation, analytics, charity, and diversity. For me personally, I have always been a problem solver, so innovation is second nature to me. As a child, when something would break, my mind would always go to finding a solution to get it back working again. Being at a firm that embraces my innovative spirit has led to a lot innovation in the diversity space! I am so grateful, likewise, for the innovative spirit of the members of Harrity’s Diversity committee, as we truly make an impact in diversifying the patent bar.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, and what is to come for women in our field, Harrity is highlighting Shawna Lemon, a graduate of our Minority Firm Incubator 2.0 Program and Co-managing Shareholder of Stanek Lemon, a majority female-owned IP law firm!
During this interview, Shawna candidly discusses what she is most proud of in her position as a firm leader, her advice to others, and how the MFI 2.0 program took her business to the next level.
Watch the full video:
The Minority Firm Incubator 2.0 program is a new & improved 42-week program that provides the training and tools needed to propel female and minority-owned patent law firms, existing or yet to be launched, to the next level of success. This program includes free training & strategy classes, concluding with a pitch session with a panel of in-house IP attorneys. The MFI 2.0 is an integral part of Harrity’s ongoing diversity initiative to recruit, retain, and advance attorneys who will contribute to the diversity of the patent field.
We are currently accepting applicants for the 2024 program. You can learn more and apply now HERE.
Harrity & Harrity has been named a Top Patent Firm by Juristat for a fourth consecutive year.
The list, backed by a database of more than 10 million pending, abandoned, and granted patent applications, objectively analyzes the performance of every law firm practicing within the USPTO to establish the rankings.
Juristat’s rankings consider both volume and performance in that specific technology center, with rankings based on how well a firm performed in three key metrics over a 12-month period. These metrics are:
Number of applications filed
Allowance rate
Average number of office actions before allowance
Harrity came in at #1 for Technology Center 2400 (Computer Networks, Multiplex, Cable and Cryptography/Security) and Technology Center 2600 (Communications).
Harrity Partner & Diversity Co-chair, Elaine Spector, joins Judy Yee (Microsoft) as guests on Inclusion Evolution, a podcast hosted by Lisa Mueller & Mike Kasdan focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession, the technology space, the world of sports, and our everyday.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, and what is to come for women in our field, Harrity is highlighting Bree Vculek, a participant from the 2022 Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop!
Harrity for Parity™ brings women from across the country together to participate virtually in this free, four-day long annual program geared towards an introduction to the practice of patent law, patent skills, and career training. The program, founded in 2017, is open to female science and engineering students, law school students, recent graduates, and current practitioners.
The Harrity for Parity™ Women’s Workshop includes prominent guest speakers who are women in the patent field; Patent Law Introductory Training; Patent Preparation Skills Training; Patent Prosecution Skills Training; Writing Skills Training by Writing Expert, Julie Seitz; Resume and Interview Preparation Workshops; Law School Career Mentoring; Patent Attorney Q&As; Patent Bar Preparation; and Networking Opportunities.
This week, Bree, a Patent Scientist and 4L Law Student, shared her experience with the Harrity for Parity Women’s Workshop.
“My name is Bree Vculek and I currently work as a patent scientist at Davis Wright Tremaine. I am a fourth year, evening part-time law student at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. My technical background is biology, chemistry and biotechnology. I’ve worked in that area in a variety of different sectors, most recently within the patent space, and I’m now working in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well.
I am excited to weigh in today. I’m going to start with how I found Harrity for Parity, and specifically how I found the Women’s Patent Workshop. So I attended the workshop last May of 2022. I came across it on my favorite social media platform, LinkedIn. Harrity & Harrity Partner Elaine Spector had made a LinkedIn post announcing the event. They were taking applications and I got super excited. I think I applied the same day, because I was just starting to work in patent law at a boutique firm. I had completed many of the patent law and all of the intellectual property law courses at the George Washington University Law School. I was really excited and applied the same day, and was lucky enough to get accepted into the workshop.
I had an amazing experience. To be honest, I was reflecting a little bit, and even though I had started working in patent prosecution, and even though I attend a law school with a highly ranked intellectual property law program, I still felt that there were important pieces of the patent preparation and prosecution puzzle, if you will, that were missing in my comprehensive and holistic understanding of the practice. And so when I was thinking about my favorite part of the workshop, or really what my takeaways were, I had several.
I would say, first of all, I loved meeting so many of the other women who are at various stages of their careers, both in private practice and in-house, as well as at the USPTO, and getting their perspectives on what it’s like to be a woman in patent law. Also, to learn from them what works, what didn’t work, and what advice they have. I found that to be really a connective force. I think having this community, albeit virtual a lot of the time, is so incredibly important for minorities within a certain practice, such as patent law. So that was one thing that I really loved and enjoyed.
And second to that, I really liked that the workshop provided us with practical experience. We had the opportunity to draft claims and receive feedback, and to practice reading through and familiarizing ourselves with Office Actions from the USPTO and responding to 101, 102, 103, and 112 rejections, and just kind of understanding how it all works and different strategies. And so I really enjoyed that. I still, to this day, take a lot of those foundational skill sets that I learned in the Women’s Patent Workshop and apply them to my practice today, so that was really an incredible experience.
I also wanted to mention one additional thing – so I talked a little bit about community and conductivity and collaboration. I met a another student through Harrity for Parity, and we’ve developed a friendship. We saw each other a couple of months after the workshop actually, in-person at interviewing events, and have kept in touch thereafter. And ultimately, we are going to be working close by following graduation. So I think that was again just a really cool opportunity to make friends within the practice, make connections, and that was something that I didn’t necessarily expect but I really was was longing for. It was kind of like a cherry on top.”
Watch the video here:
We’re currently accepting applicants for our 2023 Harrity for Parity Women’s Workshop, scheduled for May 22-25th. Learn more and apply HERE.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, and what is to come for women in our field, Harrity is highlighting Bree Vculek, a participant from the 2022 Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop!
Harrity for Parity™ brings women from across the country together to participate virtually in this free, four-day long annual program geared towards an introduction to the practice of patent law, patent skills, and career training. The program, founded in 2017, is open to female science and engineering students, law school students, recent graduates, and current practitioners.
The Harrity for Parity™ Women’s Workshop includes prominent guest speakers who are women in the patent field; Patent Law Introductory Training; Patent Preparation Skills Training; Patent Prosecution Skills Training; Writing Skills Training by Writing Expert, Julie Seitz; Resume and Interview Preparation Workshops; Law School Career Mentoring; Patent Attorney Q&As; Patent Bar Preparation; and Networking Opportunities.
This week, Bree, a Patent Scientist and 4L Law Student, shared her advice for others entering the field.
“The advice I would give other women, or really any anyone interested in patent law, is to be mindful that we are all training to be advocates. Typically, it’s advocates for our clients, the inventors, the innovators, etc. I want to remind you that it’s equally, or arguably more important, that we’re advocates for ourselves.
Now, that can look a variety of different ways. But the way in which I see it playing out is by seeking out different opportunities, like attending the Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop. There are other opportunities, like taking classes, that might be a bit more intimidating or challenging. You can do it, you know, I believe in that. And the way in which we believe in that is by taking more opportunities and showing to ourselves, gathering more data that can be directed, that you can do it. And whether it be volunteering on a committee that you’re a part of, in an association or something like that, I think that’s really important, and something that I’m kind of learning as I go, and I wish I learned prior.
I think it’s a really valuable mindset to be mindful. Of course, we support others, we support our colleagues, we support our classmates, we support our clients, absolutely. But we ought not to forget to support ourselves as well. I’m a big fan of holistic support, and that includes wellness as well: mental, physical, spiritual, financial, the whole wellness wheel. I think that is really incredibly important to be mindful of. It’s a really rewarding and fulfilling career and not only do you deserve, but your colleagues or clients or classmates etc. deserve to see you or to interact with you as your very best self. So that’s kind of a long winded advice that I would give. Seek out opportunities, and be relentless in your pursuit. And again, I highly, highly, highly recommend without reservation, the Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop.”
Watch the video here:
We’re currently accepting applicants for our 2023 Harrity for Parity Women’s Workshop, scheduled for May 22-25th. Learn more and apply here.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, and what is to come for women in our field, Harrity is highlighting Bree Vculek, a participant from the 2022 Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop!
Harrity for Parity™ brings women from across the country together to participate virtually in this free, four-day long annual program geared towards an introduction to the practice of patent law, patent skills, and career training. The program, founded in 2017, is open to female science and engineering students, law school students, recent graduates, and current practitioners.
The Harrity for Parity™ Women’s Workshop includes prominent guest speakers who are women in the patent field; Patent Law Introductory Training; Patent Preparation Skills Training; Patent Prosecution Skills Training; Writing Skills Training by Writing Expert, Julie Seitz; Resume and Interview Preparation Workshops; Law School Career Mentoring; Patent Attorney Q&As; Patent Bar Preparation; and Networking Opportunities.
This week, we sat down with Bree, a Patent Scientist and 4L Law Student, to hear about her experiences as a young woman entering the patent field.
“My name is Bree Vculek and I currently work as a patent scientist at Davis Wright Tremaine. I am a fourth year, evening part-time law student at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. My technical background is biology, chemistry and biotechnology. I’ve worked in that area in a variety of different sectors, most recently within the patent space, and I’m now working in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well.
So thus far, my experience in patent law has been quite positive. I have worked now in both an intellectual property boutique firm, as well as in big law. I have found, at times, it’s lonely, for sure. But I think that there are events like the Harrity for Parity Women’s Patent Workshop, as well as tools like LinkedIn, or various other groups like AIPLA, ChIPs, Women in IP in DC, that I have specifically involved myself in to help continue to foster that community and that sense of belonging. It’s also, I think, important to share, have shared experiences, but also learn from one another and maybe ask questions like, how did you navigate this situation? And so I found that to be really an incredible piece to my early practice, if you will.
Actually, this week, we’re going to file my first provisional patent application. This is through the George Washington University Intellectual Property Technology Clinic. We’re going to file our first provisional patent application, that is an entire women team. So the inventor is a woman. And then I’m one of the student attorneys, my co-counsel is also a woman, and the director and the patent attorney that we’re going to file under is also a woman – so a comprehensive, holistic, all women team! It’s a first across the board, and I’m just really, really excited to have that opportunity.
I think that kind of explained my experiences thus far, but also what’s possible and what’s out there and what we’re, you know, fingers crossed, going to see as we continue to navigate and progress in the field of patent law. So whatever that may mean, I remain hopeful and excited from what I’m seeing in law school, and acknowledging that we still have a lot of work to do. I’m grateful for programs like Harrity for Parity’s Women Patent Workshop – that’s really what I consider a launching pad in my career in patent prosecution, to be honest, it really opened my eyes to what is possible, and helps give me that next level of confidence in my skill set and in myself, that you know, I belong and I add value, and I’m worth taking a chance on. So that was really another beautiful experience and a little bit about what my early career has been like as a young woman in the practice of patent protection.”
Watch the video here:
We’re currently accepting applicants for our 2023 Harrity for Parity Women’s Workshop, scheduled for May 22-25th. Learn more and apply HERE.
ZERO — The End of Prostate Cancer is the nation’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to ending prostate cancer. With research advances, educational resources, and comprehensive support for prostate cancer patients, ZERO has improved the lives of thousands of men and their families over the past twenty years.
Harrity 4 Charity is a proud partner of ZERO and applauds their perseverance in eradicating the disease, which impacts so many lives worldwide. This cause is particularly meaningful to us, as Harrity Controller Sandy Maxey’s own father passed away from prostate cancer.
This week, Sandy was honored with a ZERO Prostate Cancer Bold for Blue Award for her contributions to prostate cancer awareness and research. This award is a testament to the importance of working together to find a cure for this devastating disease.
“Prostate cancer affects millions of men around the world, and it is a cause that is very close to my heart. Through my work and advocacy, I have seen firsthand the impact that this disease can have on individuals and families. That’s why I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference through the Zero Prostate Cancer Bold for Blue Awards program.
I am humbled and honored to be recognized alongside so many amazing individuals and organizations who are making a difference in the fight against prostate cancer. This award is a reminder that every action we take, no matter how small, can make a big impact.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me in this important work, including my colleagues, family, and friends. I look forward to continuing to collaborate and advocate for prostate cancer awareness and research, and I encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by prostate cancer and move closer to a cure. Thank you again for this incredible honor,” she shared.
To learn more about Harrity 4 Charity and to become involved in ZERO or our other partner organizations, visit harrity4charity.com.
Harrity 4 Charity represents a partnering of law firm Harrity & Harrity, LLP, with charities that are near and dear to our hearts. Harrity partners pledge to give five percent of profits to partner charities and all Harrity employees pledge to donate a portion of their paychecks. Harrity & Harrity is a patent preparation and prosecution firm specializing in the electrical and mechanical technology areas and is considered a Go-To Firm for the Patent 300™. Our clients have come to trust in our high-quality work, experienced people, industry leading innovation, and outstanding service. For more information, visit harrityllp.com.
Harrity Partner and Diversity Co-Chair Elaine Spector meets with Meredith Struby (MCC IP Law), Lisa Mueller (Casimir Jones) and Carlyn Burton (OBWB) for a discussion on the 2022 ThinkTank initiative to increase the representation of women in patent law and the progress each firm has made in the implementation of their new programs brought about from the brainstorming sessions.
Questions covered in this discussion include:
What do you think is preventing women with science and engineering degrees from registering with the patent bar?
What can we do about the problem of women not getting technical degrees in science and engineering?
I know there were likely a number of different programs that came up during each brainstorming session. Can you tell us a little bit about the program you decided to undertake and why? Have you done some similar programs in the past to help underrepresented groups? Can you tell me a little about them?
How do you go about recruiting participants into the program? Is it hard in trying to target women? How do you get the word out?
If you were starting the program all over again, would you do anything differently?
What are your biggest setbacks so far?
How do you get to the right person at a university or high school?
What impact do you anticipate it having, in terms of the # of participants, percentage increase in awareness, or similar?
If someone in the audience wants to start a program to bring diverse people and women into the patent field, what would you recommend?
What opportunities are available in your programs for people in the patent field to get involved?
You can watch the full session below.
To learn more about Harrity’s diversity efforts, visit harrityllp.com/diversity. For more diversity resources, including all Diversity Dialogue webinars, check out The Diversity Channel.
To get involved in any of the above initiatives, please reach out to Elaine at espector@harrityllp.com.
