Press Releases

CHICAGO, IL – Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione, one of the largest intellectual property law firms in the United States, is pleased to announce that Cynthia A. Homan, a shareholder in the firm’s appellate and litigation groups, has been named the firm’s first Diversity Shareholder. Ms. Homan will be responsible for leading and implementing the firm’s diversity initiative in consultation with the firm’s diversity committee and firm management. She will continue to practice law, focusing on brief writing and advising on intellectual property law issues, but will dedicate a significant portion of her time to this new responsibility.

“In creating the position of Diversity Shareholder, we expect to accelerate our diversity initiatives and establish Brinks as a model of excellence among intellectual property law firms and law firms generally,” said Gary M. Ropski, president of Brinks. “Ms. Homan brings to the position extensive experience in firm management and volunteer leadership in the non-profit world. She embraces our firm’s diversity initiative and understands its relationship and importance to our high standards of excellence, client service and collegiality.”

Ms. Homan is a member of the firm’s board of directors and its associate evaluation and diversity committees. She also is a member and past co-chair of the national board of directors of Lambda Legal.

Ms. Homan founded the firm’s appellate group, which she chaired for eight years. She also chaired the firm’s associates committee for five years. Ms. Homan has practiced law at Brinks for the entirety of her more than 25-year legal career.

Founded in 1917, Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione is based in Chicago with four additional offices across the country serving the intellectual property needs of clients from around the world. The firm is one of the largest IP law firms in the country, with more than 170 attorneys, scientific advisors and patent agents specializing in intellectual property litigation and all aspects of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, unfair competition, intellectual asset management, and technology and licensing agreements. Brinks routinely handles assignments in fields as diverse as electrical, chemical, mechanical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, nanotechnology, Internet and computer technology, as well as in trademarks and brand names for a wide variety of products and services.