Every innovator is known for their ability to think of innovative solutions to complex problems. Brooks, Cameron & Huebsch, PLLC (BCH) is also known for this ability. They are able to help inventors in all disciplines, with a focus on patent prosecution.
It is a firm that values innovation and resourcefulness, so it makes sense that diverse employees and their different points of view are valued. This conviction can be seen in a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the firm. They are essential to the delivery and quality of exceptional client service and legal solutions.
BCH is a place that promotes mentorship and support, where individuals can pursue their dreams and talents. It also promotes the Paul Wellstone principle, “We all do our best when we all do our best.” It is clear that BCH is a place where women can succeed in the careers they love. I spoke with six of its attorneys and one administrator.
Attorneys must pass the Patent Bar, also known as the United States Patent and Trademark Office Registration Examination. A science degree is required to sit for the Patent Bar. This significantly reduces the pool of diverse lawyers as very few law students have science degrees. You also need to consider that only a few of those who have science degrees are from historically underrepresented groups in STEM education and careers, which creates a diversity crisis. BCH is involved in proactive, nationwide recruiting efforts to find diverse talent and provide enduring career opportunities for Minnesotans.
Shireen K.Bhatia, a patent attorney and biologist, is the author. In July 2012, Shireen K. Bhatia was working in Austin, Texas for a litigation company when she applied to BCH for a job. We all know the inequalities in STEM education and employment. I was born in Cleveland, and attended law school in New Hampshire. Although it’s not the most diverse school, it is one that allows students to concentrate on IP. My classes were dominated by men, especially white men. The Texas firm where I worked was a collegial group of white men. BCH’s active efforts to promote inclusion is what attracted me to the firm. The firm recognizes that you need to go beyond Minnesota to find talent and invest in people if you want STEM to be more equal. I feel mentorship is coming from all directions.
Amanda Brooks is a key member the firm’s professional staff who supports the finance team while also coordinating events and marketing. She says that they aren’t looking to bring people in and then relegate them back to the back office. Our attorneys are part and parcel of the team from the beginning. They meet clients, do real work, which allows them to build confidence, exposure, and then go out and build their own networks.
After obtaining her bachelor’s in chemistry at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Diana N. Obodoako joined BCH as a member of the BCH team in 2017. Obodoako graduated from NCCU School of Law with a law degree in 2015. In 2015, she made the remarkable decision to return to school to pursue a science degree to be able to practice patent law. Dayo Aladeniyi (her former law school friend and now colleague) gave her the courage to make such an enormous commitment.
Diana N. Obodoako, Dayo O. Oladeniyi
“She was my inspiration. Obodoako says that she saw her practice and saw her do it first. It helped me see that if she could do something, it was possible for me to do it. Everyone made me feel welcome and helped me to feel at home when I first arrived here. Even though I was far away from my family and friends, especially Katie who mentored and supported me. It was not as frightening as I thought it would be.
BCH appointed Mary Katherine Thueringer, also known as “Katie”, as co-managing partners with Jacob T. Kern in an ongoing effort to show leadership and encourage women to higher positions. BCH mentors and recruits people who are often overlooked in patent law. BCH is also involved in the education and presentation of its diversity successes and recruitment initiatives to corporate customers. Thueringer was recently named a 2022 Twin Cities Business Notable DEI Executive.
Thueringer, a firm leader who is also a diversity advocate, has been instrumental in bringing diverse lawyers to the firm. “There was only one female in the firm when I started. She eventually became my partner. For many years, I was the only woman in the house. My colleagues were always welcoming to me and my mentorship was great. It is a great thing that I can tell new female lawyers about my experiences and encourage them to ask questions. It is nice to be surrounded by such wonderful women. Two of my daughters are mine, and I want them to know that they can do whatever they want. Boys aren’t smarter just because they have louder voices.
Many of the clients BCH represents are increasingly looking for diverse legal representation. Thueringer says that many of our clients embrace DEI and want to ensure that we are not only hiring to meet the numbers but that underrepresented groups get properly compensated and promoted into leadership positions. They want to see that we actually care about developing a diverse workforce. This information is used by them to decide which firms they wish to hire as their outside counsel.
This firm not only provides opportunities for women in law and for inventors, but also promotes diversity. Angela C. Pechacek, a partner in the firm, has a background as a mechanical engineer. “What we are finding is that clients feel more comfortable speaking to other women, which we believe helps us get more women onto patents. Before becoming a lawyer, I worked as an engineer in several companies. Although I wanted to learn more about patents, it was an ‘old boys club’. It was daunting to apply for patents and to send disclosures to counsel. Many of our clients have trusted us to reach out and make women inventors feel confident and comfortable.
Pechacek also mentions another noteworthy result. “We have been working on cases that are suitable for women. Women engineers are helping solve more women’s problems. It’s great helping women obtain patents and promoting products for women. As a patent attorney, this is the most enjoyable part of my job.
Because the firm is flexible, people can live and work anywhere in the United States. Thueringer states, “They don’t have to move to Minnesota.” “Dayo and Diana both moved to Houston. A partner is also in Utah. We are now considering opening a small North Carolina office because one of our attorneys will be moving there. We want to be there for people no matter where they may be.”
Becky Taylor-Brooks, a patent attorney and an electrical engineer, has more than 20 years’ experience in her field. She lives in Boise, Idaho and has been working remotely for the entire year she was with the firm.
Taylor-Brooks states, “One thing that I can tell you is that meeting remotely has not hampered my at all when it came to training and support.” “If I have any questions, everyone is available and can be reached on a Zoom call. You can do this in a professional setting. My team has done everything to make me feel like I’m not forgotten and up-to-speed. They offered to fly me to meet everyone, which I am looking forward to doing soon.
Obodoako shares her Houston experience. “I used to work in Minnesota but moved to Houston after the pandemic. I started working from home.” It has been an easy transition, although I miss being in person. My work is 100% done remotely, and the staff back at the firm are very supportive. We often videochat to see each other.
Dayo O.Aladeniyi, a patent attorney and physicist, has four years’ experience in technology transfer. She works remotely from Houston, and is also a mother. The firm was very understanding and willing help me navigate this transition, while also acknowledging my limitations. Thank you so much. Diana and Katie both have been through it and can advise me on the policies.
Aladeniyi says, “I’m proud that I’m part in a minority group representing individuals who aren’t typically represented in the law,” It is empowering to know that I am just as smart and can do it. At first, I was very incompetent. It is now that I understand the same things as my colleagues, and am equally capable of handling these problems. A professor in patent law encouraged me to take this step and said that I would open doors for others who wanted to follow me. “I think that we all do that here at BCH.”
The post Brooks, Cameron & Huebsch, PLLC Promoting Greater Diversity In STEM Education and IP Practice was first published on Attorney at Law Magazine.