Press Releases
Jennifer Harris
jharris@clovisinc.com
312.346.1700
CHICAGO – For the third consecutive year, intellectual property law firm Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione hosted a panel discussion and luncheon for approximately 75 students from Chicago-area schools at the 2010 Summer Legal Institute (SLI) on August 9.
Brinks Diversity Committee chair Gustavo Siller, Jr. welcomed the students. The attorney panel included Robert D. Summers, Jr., Jon H. Beaupré, Danielle Anne Phillip and Raquel C. Rodriguez and focused on different career paths available in law, as well as essential skills and training. During the luncheon, Brinks attorneys met with the students to discuss the legal field and answer questions.
The purpose of the SLI is to introduce racially and ethnically diverse Chicago-area high school juniors and seniors to the legal system, educate them about careers in law and provide them with practical tools for achieving their educational goals.
"We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with the Just the Beginning Foundation on such a worthwhile program," said Gus Siller, chair of Brinks' Diversity Committee. "We continue to seek out opportunities to build a better pipeline to ensure a more diverse legal profession in the future."
SLI is hosted by the Just the Beginning Foundation (JTBF) in conjunction with the DePaul University College of Law. It gives students the opportunity to meet with legal professionals, hear from guest speakers, visit federal court, learn networking skills, prepare and present an oral argument, practice critical reasoning skills and be introduced to different areas of practice within the law.
About Just the Beginning Foundation
Just the Beginning Foundation is a multiracial, nonprofit organization comprising lawyers, judges and other citizens dedicated to developing interest in the law among young persons from various ethnic backgrounds and supporting their continued advancement. JTBF’s long-term goal is to increase racial diversity in the legal profession and on the bench.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States and serves the intellectual property needs of clients around the world. Brinks has 150 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents who specialize in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark and copyright law. The firm also advises on issues relating to intellectual asset management, trade secret, unfair competition, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments for companies in the electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors; the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology industries; and for companies whose work relates to Internet and computer technology law. The firm’s trademark practice works on behalf of clients who deal in a wide variety of products and services. Founded in 1917, Brinks is based in Chicago and has five additional offices across the country, including its new office in Washington D.C. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.
