Empowering Success: Azariah Cole-Shephard’s Journey to Passing the Patent Bar

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Patent Pathways® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities in the patent profession.

At Patent Pathways®, we celebrate milestones that not only reflect personal achievement but also contribute to the growing talent in the patent field. Today, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Azariah Cole-Shephard, a participant from our June 2024 cohort, who recently passed the patent bar exam!

Azariah is a graduate of San Jose State University, where she earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. As a first-generation legal professional, Azariah’s journey to this accomplishment is both inspiring and a testament to resilience and community support.

Reflecting on the impact of Patent Pathways®, Azariah shared:

“Patent Pathways® has helped to propel me towards my goals. As a first-generation legal professional, it is often difficult to garner mentorship and bond over shared experiences with those I am closest to. Via participation in this program, I have had the privilege of connecting with my peers, across multiple generations, who hold dear a shared desire to shift the demographics of the patent practice. I believe that the selfless vision of the founders, and the investments of those who lend their time to support us has been invaluable. I look forward to continuing this work as I prepare for graduate school, and am eager to give back to the next iteration of eager intellectuals who enter this space.”

Azariah’s achievement exemplifies the power of mentorship, resources, and determination. Through Patent Pathways®, Azariah had access to virtual education, practical exercises, and mentorship opportunities that fostered both knowledge and confidence.

This milestone is just the beginning for Azariah, who is not only looking ahead to graduate school but is also committed to giving back by supporting others as they pursue careers in patent law.

A Commitment to Inclusion in the Patent Field

Azariah’s journey reflects Patent Pathways®’ mission to increase opportunity in the innovation ecosystem. By breaking barriers and building supportive networks, we aim to empower individuals with STEM degrees from all backgrounds to excel in patent law.

“Azariah’s accomplishment highlights the transformative potential of community-driven support and intentional opportunities,” said the Patent Pathways® Board of Directors. “Her success represents not just a personal victory, but a step forward for accessibility and innovation in the patent field. Azariah’s journey specifically underscores the importance of creating pathways for individuals who may lack mentors or connections within their own communities to guide them in pursuing a career in patent law, and we are confident that her achievements will inspire future generations from any background to see themselves in this space and make their mark.”

Azariah’s success is a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for those who have historically been excluded from this field. It is proof that when given the right tools and support, individuals can thrive and contribute to a more inclusive future.

Congratulations, Azariah! We are excited to see all that you will accomplish and the difference you will make in the world of patent law.

Join Us in Empowering Future Patent Professionals

Stories like Azariah’s inspire us to continue our work. Are you interested in joining this movement or supporting the next generation of patent professionals? Learn how you can get involved as a partner, sponsor, committee volunteer, or mentor below.

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Stay tuned for more stories as Patent Pathways® continues opening doors and paving new paths for talent in patent law.

Event Spotlight: Patent Pathways “Meet the Participants”

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On December 4, 2024, the Patent Pathways® program hosted its “Meet the Participants” mock interview event, bringing together 16 law firm partners and 13 participants for a night filled with meaningful connections and invaluable feedback.

The evening began with opening remarks from Elaine Spector, a Patent Pathways® board member, who set the stage for a dynamic and supportive environment. Volunteers engaged participants in three rounds of interviews, followed by constructive feedback to refine their skills.

The feedback from interviewers was overwhelmingly positive. One volunteer remarked, “The Patent Pathways® event has been great so far. Really enjoyed meeting with our first candidate.” Another praised the participants, stating, “They were all amazing candidates—I’m glad you didn’t ask us to rank them because they were all exceptional in their own way. The future looks bright!”

This event exemplifies Patent Pathways®’ mission to create opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the patent profession. From no-cost patent bar prep to mentorship and skills training, the program is committed to breaking down barriers and building bridges for aspiring patent professionals.

Thank you to our law firm partners and volunteers for making this event possible. Together, we are shaping the future of patent law—one participant at a time.

Want to get involved? Explore opportunities to mentor or volunteer below!

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Building Bridges: How Patent Pathways is Shaping a Diverse IP Future

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In a recent episode of the Knobbe IP+ podcast, Elaine Spector, Partner at Harrity & Harrity and advisory board member of Patent Pathways®, joined Terra Davis, Chief Diversity & Talent Development Officer at Knobbe Martens, for a powerful conversation about increasing diversity in the patent profession.

The discussion highlighted how Patent Pathways®, a program initiated by Harrity & Harrity, is addressing the lack of diversity in the intellectual property field. By creating a pipeline of diverse candidates, the initiative provides under-represented groups with resources such as education, mentorship, and financial support for the patent bar exam. The ultimate goal? To ensure the patent profession reflects the demographics of society at large.

Elaine shared how the program leverages data to identify diversity gaps and collaborates with law firms and corporate sponsors to offer participants comprehensive support. This includes mentorship, financial assistance, and hiring opportunities. Since its inception, Patent Pathways has grown significantly—now supporting 75 participants in its third year—and aims to continue expanding until the term “under-represented” no longer applies in the patent field.

The conversation also addressed how programs like Patent Pathways® are helping to combat the challenges of a shrinking profession by increasing the number of patent agents and attorneys entering the field.

If you’re passionate about fostering a more inclusive IP profession, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how you or your organization can partner with Patent Pathways®, contribute financial support, or engage in its impactful committee work.

Catch the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform and learn more about Knobbe IP + Podcast here.

Join us at Patent Pathways®, where we empower individuals with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to navigate the patent process successfully. Let’s build meaningful relationships that lead to lasting innovation.

Get involved below!

JOIN A PATENT PATHWAYS COMMITTEE
BECOME A MENTOR
BECOME A LAW FIRM PARTNER
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN PATENT PATHWAYS

 

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