Notable Successes

Leslie M. Spencer

Desmarais LLP partner Leslie Spencer recently moderated the “Developing the Next Generation of IP Leaders” panel at Managing IP’s U.S. Patent Forum 2020. The panel discussed how to cultivate up-and-coming intellectual property legal talent and ensure that organizations promote diversity and inclusion at every level within their in-house legal teams.
 
The panelists included Nicole Spence, IP attorney at IBM; Kirupa Pushparaj, IP director at Square; and Stephanie Donahue, senior director, patent litigation at Sanofi. They spoke on a variety of issues, including how an IP legal background effectively positions in-house attorneys to advance into general counsel roles because their IP work provides insight into all aspects of a company’s business.
 
Spencer also asked the panelists about the efforts their companies have made to address diversity and inclusion and the steps their companies have taken to address the lack of representation for women and people of color. The panelists highlighted the need to prioritize interviewing diverse candidates, making sure diversity reaches all levels of an organization, and working with partner law firms to ensure they are focused on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
 
The October 7 panel, conducted virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, was part of Managing IP’s annual two-day U.S. Patent Forum and featured leading speakers from tech companies, regulators, and law firms around the country.
 
Read Managing IP’s coverage of the panel
 

Leslie M. Spencer