Harrity Named a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers®

Firm News, General, Team , , , , , ,

We are pleased to announce that Harrity & Harrity has been named a Tier 1 firm in the Washington, D.C. region for Patent Law in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms, ranked by Best Lawyers®.

The Best Law Firms rankings, which date back to 2010, employ a rigorous and transparent methodology: firms must have at least one lawyer recognized in the current edition of Best Lawyers in the relevant practice area and jurisdiction; client and professional references provide feedback on responsiveness, understanding of business needs, cost‑effectiveness, civility and whether they would refer the firm; data is collected from firm submissions, peer ballots, and industry‑leader interviews. The quantitative and qualitative inputs are combined and firms are placed in tiers rather than strict rank positions, reflecting meaningful distinctions in performance.

This Tier 1 recognition underscores the depth of our patent‑law practice, the strength of our client partnerships and the caliber of our service. For clients innovating in the electrical and mechanical technology spaces, art units in which our team has specialized for decades, this ranking offers an independent marker of reliability and excellence.

For our team, this achievement is also a reflection of our core values. Our commitment to quality, timeliness, innovation, and transparent client service align directly with the criteria used by Best Law Firms®. It is a meaningful validation of our ongoing focus on delivering client‑centric outcomes and staying ahead of technological shifts that shape patent strategy.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on building upon this foundation. We will continue to invest in automation, analytics and training that enable our attorneys and agents to deliver even higher value and greater efficiency. Our giving back initiatives likewise remain a priority, as we believe that a stronger patent ecosystem serves both our clients and the community at large.

We are grateful to our clients and peers whose feedback contributed to this recognition. To those exploring a partnership with us, whether you are a Fortune 500 innovator or a patent‑focused in‑house counsel, we invite you to connect and learn why we say, “We Patented Quality®.”

Visit www.harrityllp.com to learn more about our patent services, our automation‑driven approach, and our commitment to quality and innovation.

The Changing Patent Workforce: Fewer Attorneys, More Agents, Evolving Demand

Firm News, General, Team , , , , , , , , ,

The patent profession is experiencing a notable shift. According to recent reporting by Law360, the number of new registrations to practice before the USPTO has dropped significantly since its 2002 peak. While registrations have recovered somewhat—1,003 in 2024, up from a low of 613 in 2022—data suggests the profession is evolving, not expanding.

LaTia Kimmel Brand, patent data analyst at Harrity & Harrity LLP, played a critical role in streamlining this data from the USPTO’s Office of Enrollment and Discipline for analysis. The findings show a clear trend: since 2020, more patent agents than attorneys have been entering the field.

John Harrity, Co-Founding Partner of Harrity & Harrity, questions whether this trend reflects a talent crisis or simply a shift in demand. His firm, which contributed to ADAPT.legal’s analysis, is seeing only modest demand for new hires despite the lower number of entrants. “I’m just not seeing a ton of firms saying, ‘We need, we need, we need,’” he told Law360. He also pointed out that even through the firm’s Patent Pathways® program, aimed at expanding the pipeline in patent law, “there aren’t a ton of people lined up to hire the people that we want to bring into the field.”

Looking ahead, John believes AI may be the more transformative force. “AI is helping significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for Harrity’s firm to prepare patent applications,” he said. But how this will impact the workforce is still an open question: “If [clients] continue to file just the same quantity, we need less bodies in the field. If they file twice as many, we’ll need more bodies in the field.”

The profession may be aging, but it’s also adapting—with patent agents and AI poised to play bigger roles in shaping its future.

Read the full article at Law360.

Want to join the future of patent law? Apply to our openings today at www.harrityllp.com/careers.

How Banks Are Patenting the Future: Insights from Harrity Analytics’ Rocky Berndsen

Firm News, General, Patent Analytics, Team , , , , , , , , ,

How Capital One and Other Banks Are Patenting the Future — Insights from Harrity Analytics’ Rocky Berndsen

Banks are no longer just financial institutions — they’re technology innovators. And the data proves it.

In a recent interview with Bank Automation News, Rocky Berndsen, Head of Harrity Analytics, offered insights into how major banks are rapidly expanding their technology patent portfolios, rivaling traditional tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.

Investments in technology in the past decade have “made banks key players in the technology ecosystem,” Berndsen told BAN. These portfolios reflect strengths in cybersecurity, authentication, cloud infrastructure, and AI-enabled solutions — a shift that is reshaping how we view financial institutions.

According to Harrity Analytics’ 2025 AI Patent 100 List, several banks have earned top spots for AI-related patent filings in 2024. Capital One, the highest-ranking bank on the list, was sixth overall, with a 14% year-over-year increase in AI patents — more than 470 in a single year.

Berndsen points to Capital One’s unique positioning as a tech-first organization as an indicator of the ranking: “Capital One, in particular, has publicly embraced its tech-first identity — operating its own cloud infrastructure, building proprietary machine learning platforms and maintaining active engineering teams focused on areas like cybersecurity, data analytics and customer experience innovation.”

Read the full article on Bank Automation News to explore how banks are building innovation infrastructures.

Discover how Harrity Analytics is helping clients uncover insights hidden within patent data, explore our Patent Analytics Services.

Hiring in the Era of AI

Firm News, General , , , , , , , ,

AI Is Not Optional—It’s Our Foundation

At Harrity & Harrity, we’re not waiting for the legal industry to catch up—we’re building the model for what’s next.

In a recent interview with Managing IP,  John Harrity shared how our firm is embedding AI into every layer of patent preparation and prosecution. From proprietary tools like Patent Draftr, which has reduced patent drafting turnarounds from around 40 hours to fewer than 10, to a hiring strategy built around adaptability and innovation, we’re setting a new standard.

John explained the significance of this transformation and what it means for hiring decisions: “If you have any hesitation as an attorney or agent about using AI, we are not for you. If you’re against change in any way, this is definitely not the place for you.”

We see the attorney’s role shifting—from drafter to strategist, from doer to decision-maker. “Attorneys will be spot checkers, making sure that AI stays on the rails,” he said. And we believe that even this role will continue to evolve.

We’re not just using AI, we’re transforming because of it. If you’re ready to practice patent law in a way that’s client-focused, future-ready, and built for speed, precision, and innovation, we want to hear from you.

Apply now at www.harrityllp.com/careers. Read the full article from Managing IP here.

Harrity & Harrity Moves Up in Vault’s 2026 Rankings of the Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For

Firm News, General , , , , ,

Vault has released its 2026 list of the Best Midsize Law Firms to Work For, and we are pleased to announce that Harrity & Harrity has been recognized as the #4 Best Overall Midsize Firm to Work For! This marks the firm’s fifth year placing in the Top 10, continuing a tradition of excellence that includes multiple #1 rankings in previous years.

This prestigious ranking is based entirely on feedback from associates at law firms with 200 or fewer attorneys and evaluates key dimensions of workplace satisfaction: firm culture, quality of work, hours, transparency, training, mentorship, compensation, and more.

In addition to our #4 overall ranking, Harrity was named:

  • #1 in Inclusion

  • #2 in Associate/Partner Relations, Hours, and Transparency

  • #3 in Technology & Innovation

  • Top 10 in Firm Culture, Formal and Informal Training, Quality of Work, and Satisfaction

The 2026 list also marks a jump from the #7 spot in 2025 to the #4 spot, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement. We believe a great workplace starts with a strong foundation: one built on accountability, respect, and innovation. Whether it’s our rigorous training program, our long-standing remote model, or our focus on creating accessible pathways to careers in patent law, we’re proud to lead with purpose.

Discover how we’re redefining what it means to be a midsize patent law firm at www.harrityllp.com.

Harrity Ranked #3 on Corporate Philanthropy List by Washington Business Journal

Firm News, General, Harrity 4 Charity , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’re honored to announce that Harrity & Harrity has been named #3 on the 2025 Corporate Philanthropy – Small Companies list by Giving in Greater Washington. This marks another milestone in our ongoing mission to use our success as a platform for giving back.

Through Harrity 4 Charity, we donated more than $450,000 last year, in addition to the contribution of hundreds of volunteer hours, supporting both the DC metro area and the broader community.

Our charitable giving focuses on two primary pillars: health-focused nonprofits and programs that advance accessibility and opportunity in the patent field.

Strategic Partnerships Driving Impact

Our current partnerships include:

  • American Heart Association – Funding heart health research and raising awareness through firm-wide initiatives and annual events.

  • Inova Children’s Hospital – Supporting cutting-edge pediatric care and services that uplift families across the region.

  • ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer – Backing awareness campaigns and patient support resources, especially within our local community.

  • Patent Pathways® – A nonprofit launched by Harrity in 2021 to help break barriers in the patent field by providing free education, mentorship, and career-building opportunities for individuals pursuing patent law.

In addition to financial contributions, Harrity attorneys and staff regularly volunteer their time through mentoring, pro bono IP work, community service projects, and educational programming.

A Culture of Giving

What makes Harrity 4 Charity unique is that it’s not a seasonal effort, it’s integrated into our firm’s DNA. Team members are encouraged to participate in charitable matching programs, company-wide fundraisers, and hands-on volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

This recognition from Giving in Greater Washington is a reflection of our team’s collective dedication and the impact that can be made when service is built into a firm’s foundation.

About Harrity 4 Charity

Harrity 4 Charity represents a partnering of law firm Harrity & Harrity, LLP, with charities that are near and dear to our hearts. Harrity pledges 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 & Harrity Named a Recommended Firm by Managing IP’s 2025 IP STARS

Firm News, General , , , , , , , ,

Harrity & Harrity Named a Recommended Firm by Managing IP

We are proud to share that Harrity & Harrity has been recognized as a Recommended Firm in Virginia in the 2025 IP STARS rankings by Managing Intellectual Property (MIP), a leading guide for identifying top intellectual property practitioners globally.

This recognition reflects the consistent quality and sophistication of our patent practice, which remains focused on delivering excellence in service, innovation, and timeliness for our clients.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that Paul Harrity and Elaine Spector have each been recognized as 2025 Patent Stars by MIP. This marks Paul’s eighth consecutive year and Elaine’s fifth consecutive year receiving this individual honor—acknowledgments that underscore their continued leadership in the IP field.

The IP STARS rankings are the result of a rigorous, impartial research process that considers client outcomes, peer feedback, and the overall depth of a firm’s practice. We appreciate the opportunity to be evaluated alongside other respected firms and practitioners and extend our gratitude to our clients and peers for their trust and support.

At Harrity & Harrity, we remain committed to raising the bar for excellence and accessibility in patent law while empowering the next generation of patent professionals.

To learn more about our work, visit: www.harrityllp.com

Harrity & Harrity Celebrates 10 Consecutive Years in the IAM Patent 1000

Firm News, General , , , , ,

Harrity & Harrity Celebrates 10 Consecutive Years in the IAM Patent 1000

Harrity & Harrity is proud to mark our 10th consecutive year being recognized in the IAM Patent 1000, the definitive guide to the world’s leading patent professionals.

In the newly released 2025 edition, Harrity was again named a Highly Recommended Firm in the DC metro area, an honor we’ve earned seven times over the past decade.

In addition, several of our team members—Paul Harrity, John Harrity, Elaine Spector, Neil Kardos, andPaul Gurzo—were named as Recommended Individuals for their outstanding legal and technical expertise.

The IAM Patent 1000 is respected for its in-depth research and peer feedback, with this year’s analysis based on interviews with nearly 6,000 clients and IP professionals. Their findings highlight what distinguishes top firms today: not just deep technical knowledge, but also strategic foresight, efficient operations, and strong client relationships.

At Harrity, we’ve built our firm around those values. From our commitment to precision and quality, to our focus on accessibility, service, and innovation, we aim to exceed expectations in a rapidly evolving IP landscape.

To learn more about our team and approach, visit www.harrityllp.com.

Harrity Recognized as a 2025 Best Place to Work

Firm News, General , , ,

Harrity & Harrity Named a Best Place to Work by Washington Business Journal

We are proud to announce that Harrity & Harrity has been named a Best Place to Work for 2025 by the Washington Business Journal, earning a score of 91.57 out of 100. This honor recognizes companies that go above and beyond in cultivating outstanding workplace cultures, based entirely on confidential employee feedback.

The Best Places to Work rankings evaluate key factors such as team dynamics, trust in leadership, communication, and overall employee engagement. Only the highest-scoring companies in the region are awarded this designation.

At Harrity, we’ve long believed that the best legal work starts with a strong internal foundation—one built on mutual respect, innovation, and a commitment to empowering our team. What makes this award especially meaningful is that it comes directly from the voices of our employees:

“The flexible hours allow me to balance my professional and personal life seamlessly… The senior management team is exceptional—they are approachable, supportive, and foster a culture of transparency and respect.”

“Overall, this is by far the best law firm I’ve worked for. Harrity really is remarkable and wonderful.”

“The company’s commitment to growth, both for the business and its employees, inspires me every day to contribute meaningfully and develop my own skills in the process.”

The word most used to describe our firm by our team was “innovative.” To us, innovation is more than technology or process—it’s about rethinking what a law firm can be, and continually evolving to better serve our clients, colleagues, and community.

To learn more about our workplace and career opportunities, visit www.harrityllp.com/careers.

Elaine Spector Named to WIPR Diversity & Inclusion Top 100 for 2025

Articles, Diversity, Driving Diversity, Driving Diversity Blog, Firm News, Team , , , , , , , , , ,

We are excited to announce that Harrity & Harrity Partner Elaine Spector has been recognized as a Diversity Champion by World IP Review (WIPR) in their 2025 WIPR Diversity & Inclusion Top 100 People.

This prestigious recognition honors individuals who drive meaningful change and create a more accessible and equitable IP community. Elaine was selected through a combination of peer nominations and in-house research conducted by WIPR, underscoring the real-world impact of her efforts.

With over two decades of experience in intellectual property law, Elaine’s leadership extends beyond client service to a broad range of impactful initiatives. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s (IPO) Diversity Committee, a Board Member for Patent Pathways®, and an active participant in ADAPT (Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams) efforts.

Elaine’s personal initiatives include Elevate, Empower, Enlighten (E³), a weekly vlog providing actionable equal opportunity tips, and Voices of Visionaries, a quarterly webinar series featuring insights from leaders who are advancing the future of IP.

In a climate where equal opportunity initiatives face unprecedented challenges, Elaine continues to be a vocal and unwavering advocate. As shared by WIPR, the Diversity & Inclusion Top 100 “offers hope—and leadership.”

Elaine has been outspoken on social media about the need to take a stand against the D&I backlash.

“As lawyers, we are uniquely positioned—and ethically obligated—to speak up, especially when others cannot. Silence may feel safe, but it comes at a cost. Let’s use our voices and our platforms to push back against injustice, misinformation, and intimidation. Now is not the time for indifference.”

At Harrity & Harrity, we are proud to celebrate Elaine’s accomplishments and her dedication to empowering the next generation of IP professionals.

To learn more about Elaine’s initiatives and Harrity’s commitment to breaking barriers in the IP profession, visit Our Commitment to Progress.

Harrity Ranked #1 in 2025 Large Firm Patent Quality Rankings by Patent Bots

Firm News, General , , , , ,

Harrity & Harrity is proud to be recognized as the #1 Large Firm in the 2025 Patent Quality Rankings released by Patent Bots, marking our fourth consecutive year in the top spot.

Patent Bots uses advanced machine learning to analyze every patent issued by the USPTO—in 2025, that meant reviewing over 314,000 patents. Rankings are based on the average number of numbering errors, antecedent basis issues, and word support discrepancies, with firms grouped by size. Harrity ranked #1 among large firms (500+ issued patents), earning a Quality Score of 98.6 across 1,161 patents.

At Harrity, we’ve long integrated automation and rigorous review processes into our workflows—not only to minimize errors but to ensure our clients receive patents that are accurate, enforceable, and strategically sound.

Congratulations to all firms recognized for their dedication to raising the bar in patent prosecution.

Learn more about our approach to patent quality at www.harrityllp.com/services.

Harrity Featured in “Lawyer Life, Upgraded” Article on Boosting Productivity

Firm News, General , , , , ,

Harrity Featured in “Lawyer Life, Upgraded” Article on Boosting Productivity

We’re excited to share that Harrity & Harrity has been featured in the recent article by Virtual Latinos: “Lawyer Life, Upgraded: Expert Tips to Boost Productivity”.

This insightful article brings together top advice from legal professionals across the industry, offering actionable tips on how to stay productive in an increasingly fast-paced and remote-friendly legal environment. From leveraging virtual assistants to embracing process efficiency, the article reflects the direction modern law firms are headed—leaner, smarter, and more human-centered.

We’re honored to be included among firms leading the charge toward a more efficient legal future. At Harrity, productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about getting the right things done in the most impactful way.

Key topics covered in the article include:

  • How law firms are leveraging virtual assistants and delegation strategies to stay focused on high-value legal work
  • Why creating a systematic, repeatable approach to legal tasks is essential for both efficiency and accuracy
  • The role of a remote-first mindset in supporting flexible work and improving overall productivity

Harrity emphasizes in the article the importance of a streamlined, team-based approach to legal work:

“We’ve built a culture of process improvement and consistency. Every task is systematized, allowing our attorneys and support staff to work together seamlessly—no matter where they are.”

This approach not only improves outcomes for clients but also supports a healthier work-life balance for our team—a core part of our mission.

We’re proud to be recognized for the work we’re doing to modernize the practice of law and create a work environment where innovation and well-being go hand in hand.

👉 Read the full article here:
https://www.virtuallatinos.com/blog/legal-professional-productivity-tips/

To learn more about our team and approach to patent law, visit www.harrityllp.com.