September 3, 2010

Jennifer Harris
jharris@clovisinc.com
312.346.1700

CHICAGO – Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the U.S., received a Pro Bono Advocacy Award for its ongoing commitment to pro bono, veterans and government personnel pro bono programs at the 12th Annual Bench & Bar Conference of the Federal Circuit Bar Association (FCBA).

The FCBA Charitable and Educational Fund also recognized Brinks attorneys Harold V. Johnson and Bradley G. Lane for their active pro bono participation in the Federal Circuit community. Both Johnson and Lane participate in the FCBA’s Veterans Pro Bono Screening Project, as well as other pro bono activities.

"The attorneys at Brinks believe strongly in upholding the professional responsibilities of the legal community," said Vincent J. Gnoffo, who chairs Brinks’ Pro Bono Committee. "That's why we encourage our attorneys to contribute time, skills and other resources to members of the public who could not otherwise afford representation."

Chief Judge Randall R. Rader, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, presided over the Pro Bono Advocacy Awards Banquet at the 12th Annual Bench & Bar Conference. Brinks was also previously recognized with National Leader status for the firm's contribution to the Federal Circuit Bar Association's Charitable & Educational Fund.

The Veterans Pro Bono Committee was established in 2007 and matches cases that have been appealed pro se in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit with interested attorneys. The committee also establishes connections with veterans’ law committees from other bar associations and monitors judicial and legislative developments.

The FCBA is a national organization that brings together those serving in the legal community of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The Association regularly hosts conferences to review current practice in the court and to honor the commitment of leaders in the legal community.

Brinks was the first intellectual property law firm in Chicago to establish a formal pro bono program and its attorneys have been actively involved with organizations such as Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services, Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, National Immigrant Justice Center, Center for Disability and Elder Law, and Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic.

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.