Building Pathways to Success: How Dinsmore & Shohl LLP Supports the Next Generation of Patent Professionals

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At the crossroads of engineering and law, Ritu Singh’s career is a powerful example of how diverse backgrounds can shape and elevate the patent field. After earning a degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and early career experience as an engineer, Ritu discovered a passion for patent law. She saw the potential to contribute meaningfully to this field and decided to pursue law school, despite starting with little knowledge of the field. 

Today, as a Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, she brings a unique perspective, merging her technical expertise with legal acumen to protect groundbreaking ideas. Ritu has also championed her firm’s partnership with the nonprofit Patent Pathways®, a program dedicated to breaking barriers in the patent profession by fostering accessibility through free, virtual training and financial support to take and pass the patent bar. 

Dinsmore’s Dedication to Accessibility and Inclusion

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP’s partnership with Patent Pathways® is more than just a commitment; it’s a call to action. The firm’s efforts to support underrepresented talent in the patent field directly reflect its core values of inclusion and opportunity.

“Patent Pathways® doesn’t just address the problem; it offers a solution,” Ritu shared. By equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to excel, the program builds a talent pipeline that is reshaping the future of the patent field. For firms like Dinsmore, this collaboration creates a win-win opportunity to advance accessibility while building expertise within their teams.

Dinsmore proved this by hiring Chante Campbell, a Technical Specialist with a Masters degree in Chemistry and a 2024 Patent Pathways® program participant. Through the program’s resume portal, the firm was able to access a pool of qualified, diverse candidates and connect with Chante, whose skills and potential aligned perfectly with their needs.

Turning Opportunity into Action: Chante’s Success Story

Chante joined Patent Pathways® to explore a career in patent law. Thanks to the foundational knowledge, practical exercises, and mentorship she received, she gained the skills and confidence needed to begin her career. In her current role at Dinsmore, Chante applies her technical expertise to drafting patent applications, conducting prior art research, and assisting with prosecution strategies. The firm is building on the skills Chante developed in the program by immersing her in hands-on, real-world projects and providing ongoing mentorship.

Ritu shared her positive experience working with Chante, highlighting her growth and enthusiasm since joining the firm. “I’ve had a great experience just working with her, seeing her grow,” Ritu said. While Chante primarily works in the chemical space, Ritu noted that her colleagues who work closely with Chante have nothing but praise for her. “They all have great things to say about her, and she’s so excited, enthusiastic,” Ritu added. “She’s a go-getter.”

For Ritu, supporting Chante in her journey has been incredibly rewarding. “It’s been really just wonderful to be there for her, to answer any questions she has, and really to support her,” Ritu said, underscoring the importance of the partnership between firms like Dinsmore and Patent Pathways® when it comes to training the next generation of patent professionals.

Driving Awareness and Creating Change

For Ritu, the most powerful aspect of Patent Pathways® is its ability to address a fundamental gap in the field. “It stems back to awareness,” she says, emphasizing how the program introduces patent law as a viable and exciting career option for underrepresented groups. By creating exposure and providing support, Patent Pathways® is helping to reshape the innovation ecosystem, empowering a broader range of voices to contribute to the future of technology and invention.

The long-term vision of the program is equally inspiring. As Ritu notes, “Seeing how these programs are tracking progress and building that pipeline is exciting.” The program’s efforts to continuously expand its reach demonstrate its commitment to lasting change. Through partnerships like that between Dinsmore and Patent Pathways®, the patent field is becoming a space where talent and ideas flourish, regardless of background.

Join the Movement

Ritu and Chante’s experiences through Patent Pathways® showcase the incredible impact of collaboration. By addressing barriers to entry and providing real solutions, the program and its partners are helping to redefine what’s possible in patent law—and beyond.

Are you ready to be part of this transformative journey? Visit www.patentpathways.org to learn more about how you can support accessibility, innovation, and opportunity in the patent field. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the chance to contribute to the innovations that shape our world.

#PatentPathways #DiversityInSTEM #InnovationForAll #InclusionMatters #STEMtoLaw

Breaking Barriers in Patent Law: How Chante Campbell Found Her Path Through Patent Pathways®

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In this installment of our Patent Pathways® Supporter Spotlight, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of Chante Campbell, a chemist from Detroit who found her passion in patent law thanks to one of our program’s respected partners. 

Chante earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry from Howard University. Early in her career, she realized her work had become repetitive, prompting her to seek a more fulfilling path. She returned to school for a Master’s degree to gain confidence and clarity about her future. While discussing options with her professor and mentor, she first learned about patent law—a field that immediately intrigued her. With her mentor’s encouragement, Chante discovered Patent Pathways®, enrolled in the program, and began a transformative journey, which led her to her current position at Dinsmore & Shohl, one of Patent Pathways®’ valuable partner law firms.

Reflecting on her experience, Chante describes it as a “full crash course.” She shares, “I credit Patent Pathways® for so much of my accomplishments in the past year and a half.” The program, she says, “Opened me up to a whole new world of possibilities, a whole new career.”

Chante highlights the program’s robust training, which includes hands-on patent prosecution experience and valuable mentorship opportunities. She praises Patent Pathways®’ connections with leading organizations like Practising Law Institute (PLI) and its exceptional instructors. These resources helped her progress significantly, increasing her patent law knowledge from 40% at the start to 80% by the end of the program.

Mock interview events also played a key role in preparing Chante for the job market. Thanks to her newfound confidence and skills, she received a job offer from Dinsmore & Shohl, a national firm that came across Chante through Patent Pathways®’ resume portal.

When asked about her favorite aspect of working in patent law, Chante says it’s all about “Figuring out the inventions.” She also underscores the importance of the program’s mission: “It’s exposing the underrepresented community.” She sees Patent Pathways® as a program that helps individuals maximize their talents and unlock their potential.

Chante’s advice for those considering the program is simple yet powerful: “Go for it. Be ready to study!”

Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, education, and determination. Programs like Patent Pathways® are not just about career development but about opening doors and creating opportunities for determined individuals in STEM. Chante’s journey also highlights the significance of our law firm partners like Dinsmore & Shohl, who create valuable opportunities for participants to take the next steps into a real career in patent law.

You can watch Chante’s full interview with Patent Pathways®’ secretary, Richard Watkins, below. 

To learn more about Patent Pathways® and how it can help you embark on a career in patent law, visit www.patentpathways.org.

#InspiringInnovation #PatentLaw #STEMCareers #MentorshipMatters #PatentPathways

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.

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

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

Patent Pathways®: Fostering the Next Generation in Patent Law

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Patent Pathways® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities in the patent profession. By offering free virtual education, mentorship, financial support, practical career guidance, and law firm matching, Patent Pathways® empowers talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds—particularly those with STEM degrees—to succeed in patent law. Through this program, participants are provided with the tools, resources, and community needed to prepare for and pass the patent bar, as well as the opportunity to meet with and apply for roles with law firm partners, transforming career aspirations into realities.

The program arose out of patent firm Harrity & Harrity’s “Give 2 Give” philosophy, through which the partners prioritize giving back to the community simply to make a difference. Launched in 2022, Patent Pathways® has since hosted over 130 virtual sessions for 91 participants, with a record 51 individuals in the most recent cohort. It is a 100% volunteer-based organization, comprised of over 40 law firm partners and corporate sponsors, 108 mentors, and 189 active volunteers all dedicated to improving inclusion in the patent field by bringing in individuals from all backgrounds sharing one common goal: passing the patent bar.

Pai Liu, one of the incredible members of the June 2024 Patent Pathways® cohort, recently celebrated that tremendous achievement: she passed the patent bar exam. Pai’s journey is a testament to her remarkable determination and highlights the powerful influence Patent Pathways® can have on those dreaming of obtaining a career in patent law.

With both a bachelor’s and Ph.D. in neuroscience from Emory University, Pai has already established herself as a trailblazer in the technology transfer field. However, balancing her patent studies with a full-time role was no easy feat, especially since she is not a native English speaker. Reflecting on this challenge, Pai noted, “Passing the patent bar is something I never imagined achieving (as English is not my first language). Just three years ago, I didn’t even know what patent law was, and I can hardly believe how far I’ve come with the support of this program.”

During her journey, Pai found invaluable resources, mentorship, and encouragement through Patent Pathways®. “I’m forever grateful for the encouragement provided throughout (I needed that to study after full-time work every day), the PLI study material, and the guidance from everyone on the Patent Pathways® Team,” she shared. Patent Pathways® provided the tools that allowed her to build confidence and thrive in the patent profession. “Passing the patent bar has been a game-changer for me as a technology transfer professional,” Pai said, emphasizing how the knowledge she’s gained “has enriched my work and boosted my confidence immensely.”

One of the most memorable moments in Pai’s journey was her recent meeting with Kathi Vidal, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). During their conversation, Pai shared her story and expressed that her success would not have been possible without the support of Patent Pathways®. Director Vidal later celebrated Pai’s accomplishment in a LinkedIn post, publicly recognizing her dedication and resilience. This recognition underscores the potential of programs like Patent Pathways® to elevate and inspire others pursuing and within the patent profession.

John Harrity, Chairperson of Patent Pathways®, also praised Pai’s success, calling her journey “a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of support and mentorship.” He emphasized that Pai’s achievements—especially passing the patent bar as a non-native English speaker while managing full-time work—capture the mission of Patent Pathways®. “Your success is not just personal; it uplifts and motivates everyone involved in this community,” he noted, pointing out that Pai’s journey will undoubtedly inspire others who may have once felt that patent law was out of reach.

Pai’s story exemplifies the impact of Patent Pathways®’ commitment to creating a more inclusive future for patent law. Through mentorship, financial assistance, study resources, and ongoing support, Patent Pathways® empowers individuals like Pai to excel in patent law and make meaningful contributions within the innovation ecosystem.

Congratulations to Pai on this incredible accomplishment. Her journey offers powerful encouragement for those who hope to follow in her footsteps, and her success highlights the vital role that programs like Patent Pathways® play in building a diverse future for the patent profession.

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

Want to be part of our mission? Learn how you can get involved as a partner, sponsor, committee volunteer, or mentor 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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