Press Releases

CHICAGO – Danielle Anne Phillip, a shareholder at intellectual property law firm Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, has been named to Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s 12th annual edition of 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch.

“We are extremely pleased that Ms. Phillip has been recognized by her peers for her experience, skill and character,” said Brinks president Gary M. Ropski. “Danielle is a superb lawyer, and her being included in this list attests to her outstanding ability as a litigator and to the respect in the legal community she has rightfully earned.”

Ms. Phillip joined Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione in 2008 while the firm was handling a years-long major patent infringement trial that entailed potential damages of approximately a billion dollars. According to the description provided to Law Bulletin by her nominators, as a new addition to the litigation team, Phillip immediately began to prepare for the trial with dedication and tenacity. Her peers praised her ability to understand the nuances of a complex and difficult case as well as her ability to stay calm under pressure.

Prior to joining Brinks, Ms. Phillip worked as an associate in the litigation department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City, from 2003 to 2008. While there, in a series of successful actions, she won a trial for a Ugandan seeking legal asylum in the United States; she defeated a motion to dismiss that led to a favorable settlement in a Federal Tort Claim Act case; she litigated a trademark and copyright action for a women’s art collective, prevailing on motions that led to a favorable settlement; and she settled on favorable terms a case relating to restaurant workers who sought compensation for unpaid wages. Ms. Phillip also helped defend a major pharmaceutical company in patent litigation over an alleged infringing medical cryotherapy device.

Ms. Phillip earned an A.B. in biochemical sciences from Harvard University and her J.D. cum laude from University of Michigan Law School in 2001. During law school and after graduation, she clerked for the Honorable Judge John W. Darrah of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. “All in all, Danielle Phillip is among the finest law clerks with whom I have ever worked,” Darrah said. “Ms. Phillip’s skills as a lawyer are highly developed, effective, and ethical.” Ms. Phillip also participates as a mentor through the Black Women Lawyers’ Association.

Law Bulletin Publishing Company conducts an annual survey to determine who Illinois attorneys believe are the “up and comers” of law in Illinois. To maintain objectivity, attorneys cannot recommend themselves or attorneys from their own law firm, corporation or public entity. This year, Law Bulletin received over one thousand nominations.

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. Brinks is based in Chicago and has offices in Ann Arbor, Mich., Indianapolis, Ind., Research Triangle Park, N.C., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Washington, DC. More information is available at www.usebrinks.com.