As a founding member of Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, I have experience in U.S. and foreign patent prosecution and client counseling with particular emphasis in the electrical and mechanical fields. In addition to patent prosecution, my experience includes directing post-grant proceedings in the USPTO and acquisition negotiations. Additionally, I’ve rendered numerous non-infringement and invalidity opinions as well as testified at trial.

I’ve worked with technologies including, among other things, mobile telephones, networks, semiconductors, remotely-readable meters, industrial equipment, spray nozzles, kitchen fixtures, and firearms.

Before starting a legal career, I worked as a design engineer at Motorola Cordless Products, specializing in RF and audio circuit design. I earned my JD from DePaul University College of Law, with honors. I also earned an MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from University of Illinois, Chicago, and my BS in Electrical Engineering, magna cum laude, from Marquette University.

I believe our clients benefit from the real-world engineering experience that our practitioners bring to the firm. This experience enables us to interface efficiently with inventors and provides a practical and business-minded foundation for all of our work.

I represent numerous large corporate clients involved in a diverse range of electrical, software, and mechanical technologies, and I have extensive experience in all aspects of patent prosecution and counseling including freedom-to-operate analyses, non-infringement and invalidity opinions, and reexaminations.

Prior to practicing law, I was a design engineer specializing in switching power supplies; analog circuitry; and a variety of pressure, temperature, and position transducers. I am also an inventor on several patents relating to piezoelectric biomorphs.

As one of the founding members of HFZ, I have over 30 years’ experience in patent litigation, patent prosecution and patent counseling. My experience representing clients includes a diverse range of technologies, including software, telecommunications, analog and digital circuitry, semiconductor structures and fabrication techniques, microprocessor architecture, FPGA technology, virtual private networking, internet technologies, audience measurement technologies, cloud computing, virtualization, data warehousing, network security, memory architectures, green technologies, safety products, dock safety equipment, industrial doors, ventilation, surgical equipment, and child care products.

My focus is on our client’s business objectives. Our ultimate goal is to provide counsel and patent prosecution strategies that advance our client’s agenda. This is best achieved in a long-term relationship that fosters an in-depth understanding of our client’s business and the competitive landscape in which they operate. On the prosecution side, this level of commitment ensures we do not just secure patent claims; we issue claims that are tailored for ready enforcement when the need arises.

I’m actively involved in defensive and offensive patent issues including ex parte and inter partes reexaminations, reissues, Public Use proceedings, European opposition proceedings, and due diligence investigations in support of product releases, enforcement actions and/or company acquisitions. I have represented clients in litigation and licensing involving patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, trade dress infringement, and contract disputes. Leveraging my deep experience in such a wide range of issues and technologies, I’m able to help my clients build and manage valuable patent portfolios and avoid the pitfalls of competitive holdings.

In 2022, I was recognized among the IAM Strategy 300: The World's Leading IP Strategists, an international listing of "individuals who are leading the way in the development and implementation of strategies that maximize the value of IP portfolios." In addition, Martindale-Hubbell has identified me as an AV Preeminent Attorney every year since 2013. Read more.

The most enjoyable aspect of my work is having the opportunity to work with inventors to facilitate the development of their ideas into patentable inventions. My engineering background allows me to speak the inventors’ language and to recognize where further development of an application is needed.

As a member of Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, I have prepared and prosecuted U.S. and foreign patent applications in the areas of software systems, digital media systems, cellular timing circuitry, and low-level computer operations software. I’ve also conducted patent litigation assistance for both defensive and offensive investigations and patent assertions, and I’ve prepared and assisted with the preparation of non-infringement and validity opinions.

Prior to attending law school, I performed validation procedures on software and embedded medical-monitoring devices at GE Medical Systems, Inc. I also developed hardware and software tools for automated testing of monitoring devices. I also worked for an internet service provider, managing network equipment and providing customer support.

I earned my JD from Chicago Kent College of Law. I also earned my MS and BS, magna cum laude, in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Marquette University. My thesis was on signal processing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence algorithms for processing cardiac signals to detect cardiac malfunction. My work was published and presented at the 2003 Computers in Cardiology Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.

As General Counsel for Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, I bring twenty years of business and employment law experience to assist the firm with its legal, human resource and operational needs. For the past ten years, I have managed a law firm which specializes in business and employment law. Prior to that, I served as Vice-President and General Counsel for Kolcraft Enterterprises, Inc., an international consumer product manufacturing company where I oversaw the legal, human resources, compliance and domestic operations departments.

I believe our clients are best served by offering a comprehensive, strategic solution to their intellectual property and business needs. At HFZ, we’ve built a team to provide our clients a wide variety of non-litigation, intellectual property services, which they can leverage to develop and grow their businesses.

I have extensive experience in a wide range of legal arenas including patent drafting and prosecution, patent portfolio development and management, brainstorming and IP capture, patent landscaping, patent reexamination, litigation, licensing, and due diligence and opinion analysis. I also serve as seconded in-house counsel for a Fortune 5 client to advise them on patent strategy matters.

My experience in technology spans a wide variety of consumer products and manufacturing systems as well as imaging systems, image processing, analog and digital audio, casino gaming systems, telecommunications and data networks, distributed computer systems, electronic storage devices, financial trading systems, anti-virus and security software, and signal processing applications.

Prior to practicing law, I worked in the field of computer architecture and am an inventor on a patent related to runtime software optimization.

I work with various large and small corporate clients in a diverse range of technology areas including software, electrical, and mechanical technologies. I believe there is no single, rigid approach to serving all clients, neither from a technical standpoint nor from a business perspective. The best IP legal services are customized to meet the needs of each client.

I spent several years as an electrical engineer before joining Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman in 2003. I developed electrical hardware architectures for multimedia platforms of next-generation mobile phones at Motorola, Inc. In that capacity, I worked with several different microprocessor families, digital multimedia codecs, LCD controllers, compression algorithms, and communication protocols. At Palm, Inc. I developed electrical hardware architectures for Palm’s line of premium handheld PDA devices, and I wrote firmware and software for mobile computing.

My current practice involves preparing and prosecuting domestic, international, and foreign patent applications. I also counsel clients on non-infringement and invalidity positions as well as other patent related matters.

We strive to know each client’s business. Leveraging that knowledge, we facilitate clients’ ability to use their intellectual property to expand operations with confidence. With a focus on the medical, electrical and mechanical arts, my practice provides non-infringement and invalidity opinions to clear products or assure clients freedom to operate.

Working with engineers and in-house counsel, I help our clients generate patent portfolios and expand their businesses by developing and executing prosecution strategies including post-grant proceedings. I also coordinate with overseas counsel in opposition proceedings, procure federal trademark registrations, and manage global trademark portfolios, which includes managing and litigating trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings. Additionally, I draft and negotiate licensing agreements, provide counseling related to copyright issues and procure federal copyright registrations.

Prior to joining HFZ, I was the engineering manager for DSP development at PrairieComm, Inc., where I designed and managed the development of physical layer technology for WCDMA (UMTS) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE mobile cellular systems. I also worked at Northrop Grumman Corp., where I designed and implemented DSP algorithms and communication protocols for wireless systems. I am a named inventor on six granted U.S. patents.

At HFZ, I specialize in both electrical and mechanical arts. My real-world engineering experience allows me to thoroughly understand the scope and breadth of our clients’ inventions and technology portfolios, and I strive to provide guidance and pursue patent protection targeted to each client’s specific objectives.

At HFZ, I represent fortune 500 and 100 companies on all aspects of patent application preparation, prosecution and patent portfolio development. Additionally, I provide counseling regarding patentability, product clearance, validity and infringement matters in various technological fields.

My patent practice focuses on mechanical and electro-mechanical arts in a broad range of technologies including: aerospace, child care products, fluid control devices and systems, mobile devices, medical devices, window coverings, industrial door and loading dock equipment, marine equipment, firearms, printing technologies, mailers and binding equipment, and coil processing & roll forming systems.

I work with inventors and engineers to quickly grasp and analyze our clients’ inventions and provide the highest level of quality and protection for their intellectual property. HFZ’s collegial work environment enables attorneys to provide a team-oriented analysis of all our clients’ IP matters.

Earlier in my career, I was a mechanical engineer at Abbott Laboratories where I designed several disposable medical devices and provided equipment support to improve manufacturing processes and performance. Later, I practiced law at a general practice firm before joining HFZ.

Prior to entering the field of patent law, I was employed by Agilent Technologies, specializing in test systems design and development for industries involved in electro-optics, medical applications, and aerospace defense. I was also part of General Electric’s Technical Leadership Program (Edison Engineering Program), where I was involved with internal code and standards, electronics products design, and next generation product research and development.

At HFZ, I enjoy the inventive diversity brought by the clients that we serve, which always ensures new and interesting intellectual property challenges to tackle. I often find that my prior experience as an engineer and consultant bolsters my ability to comprehend new inventive subject matter and efficiently communicate with inventors.

Before practicing law, I worked in the research and development department of a healthcare data analytics company. In this role, I saw firsthand how innovation can drive a company’s success. During law school, I interned with the Office of General Counsel at the American Medical Association, where I came to recognize the unique role of in-house counsel in protecting the interests of a business. In my patent prosecution practice, I draw upon these experiences to work with our clients in obtaining intellectual property protection that advances their business goals.

At HFZ, I prepare and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. I have experience pursuing our clients’ patent rights in a variety of technologies, including medical devices, neuromarketing tools, child care products, information systems, and process control devices. I also assist in counseling our clients with regards to patentability, validity, and infringement matters. Additionally, I help clients obtain trademark protection and manage their trademark portfolios.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked as a patent agent drafting and prosecuting patent applications involving a variety of consumer products. Before attending law school I interned at Clean Air Engineering where I provided emissions testing services to coal power plants throughout the U.S.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications in the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. My background in mechanical engineering provides me with the expertise needed to work on a wide range of mechanical technologies including medical devices and process control devices.

Additionally, I assist in counseling clients regarding patentability, validity, and infringement issues.

Prior to joining HFZ, I was a software automation engineer at Motorola where I designed automated protocol and hardware test systems for testing mobile devices. I was responsible for interacting with clients and developers around the world to help deliver comprehensive test platforms.

At HFZ, my practice areas include preparing and prosecuting applications in the electrical and computer arts. My experience in the mobile device and software arenas gives me a unique background, which allows me to communicate effectively with clients and to quickly understand their technology and related inventions.

Before joining HFZ, I managed the development of an international patent portfolio for The Nielsen Company. In that role, I oversaw patent prosecution, litigation and opinion drafting. I also drafted and negotiated technology licenses, and evaluated patent assets for merger and acquisition activities.

I have experience with a variety of technologies in the areas of software, electrical and mechanical engineering. Before law school, I worked as an electrical engineer in the Nuclear Power Industry where I developed and co-authored a paper about a technique for determining drift tolerance levels of instrument loop devices.

I’ve always had a personal interest in innovation and emerging technologies. My industry experience includes working at both Motorola and Brunswick. At Motorola, I worked as a design engineer on cellular phones and base stations. At the Life Fitness division of Brunswick, I designed treadmills and exercise bicycles.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, manufacturing processes, and computer areas. I also assist in counseling matters. My experience in dealing with multifaceted and complex issues helps me grasp our clients’ innovative technologies quickly.

I have great interest in innovation and how the law adapts to ever-changing technology both domestically and abroad. Before joining HFZ, I taught at Chicago-Kent College of Law where I instructed students on principles of international intellectual property law and on academic writing on topics in IP law. My interest and understanding of both U.S. and foreign law, coupled with my background in mechanical engineering, enable me to quickly grasp the details (both legal and technical) that are relevant to the needs of our clients to secure the broadest protection possible for their IP rights.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and computer arts. Since joining HFZ, I have enjoyed the wide array of new technologies and novel ideas developed by the clients we serve and the opportunity and challenge to turn those ideas into protectable interests. For example, I have represented clients in areas as diverse as computer hardware and software, fluid control systems, electrical connectors, media consumption measurement, and manufacturing processes. Assisting to turn those ideas into protectable interests is a challenging and rewarding experience.

Prior to joining HFZ, for more than 22 years I handled a diverse range of technologies for Honeywell in the automotive and aerospace industries. During my years as in-house counsel for both large and small corporations, I implemented strategies that generated and expanded intellectual property to protect clients’ businesses and products, and to derive additional value from licensing the commercialization of intellectual property.

At HFZ, I focus on the mechanical, electro-mechanical, and composition of matter arts. In addition to my experience preparing and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications, client counseling, and opinions, I have also drafted and negotiated license agreements for patents and software, supported university research, and handled intellectual property matters arising within mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to joining HFZ, I spent ten years representing plaintiffs and defendants in patent litigation proceedings conducted in Federal courts throughout the United States and in post-grant proceedings before the USPTO. In that capacity, I was responsible for all phases of the litigation process, including preparing and responding to discovery requests, taking and defending depositions, preparing expert reports, preparing and arguing motions of all varieties, preparing and arguing claim construction positions, preparing for trials, examining trial witnesses, and preparing post-trial motions and appellate briefs.

At HFZ, I leverage my extensive litigation experience to draft and prosecute enforceable patents that will withstand third party challenges and result in victories at trial.   I also utilize the insights gleaned from my years of experience in Federal court and post-grant patent office proceedings to provide legal counsel on infringement, non-infringement, validity, invalidity, and product clearance issues. My practice focuses on the mechanical and electro-mechanical arts. Representative technologies with which I have been involved since joining HFZ include outdoor cooking products, aircraft technologies, automotive technologies, industrial valves, process management systems, child care products, oilfield technologies, information gathering and measurement systems, cellular communication technologies, and computer software.

At HFZ, I am honored to protect the innovation and technologies of our clients. Prior to joining HFZ, I was a mathematics teacher at Noble Street College Prep, where I taught trigonometry. At Law Bulletin, I programmed automated test software for new developing applications. At Continental Automotive Group I ran a series of EMC tests and programed transmission control units for 4×4 SUVs.

HFZ allows me to use my diverse background and skill set to problem solve during the preparation and prosecution of patent applications.

Before joining the HFZ team, I worked as a senior electrical engineer at Schlumberger Oilfield Services in the Well Services and Coiled Tubing control system group. I designed, developed, and commissioned electrical control systems on next generation land and offshore mixing equipment for high pressure pumping fluid delivery applications. I have extensive experience in electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems and a knowledge base in a wide array of commercial and industrial sensor technologies as well as programmable logic devices.

At HFZ, my practice focuses on preparing and prosecuting domestic, international, and foreign patent applications in the electro-mechanical, electrical, and software arts in a broad range of technologies including: aerospace, analog and digital circuit design, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud and edge computing, fluid control devices and systems, and network security. I leverage my industry experience in comprehensively developing invention disclosures to achieve both short and long-term patent portfolio management strategies and protection.

Prior to joining HFZ, I was a career student. I started my university studies in engineering, where I received an Associate of Science in Engineering. Before completing my Bachelor of Science, I made the tough decision to leave engineering and, instead, pursue a career in law. I received my Bachelor of Science in Political Science and went on to attend law school. Between my 2L and 3L years, I was introduced to the field of patent law. I knew immediately that a career in patent law was the right path for me. After graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, I went back to university and received by Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

I have always felt a desire to learn as much as I can during my lifetime. It is this appetite for knowledge that drew me into the engineering field in the first place and what led me to a position as a patent attorney. As a patent attorney, I get to combine my passions for learning about engineering advancements and for legal and technical writing. At HFZ, I enjoy working with clients to learn about their inventions and innovations and to helping clients protect their intellectual property.

Prior to joining the HFZ team, I studied Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. As part of my education process, I co-oped with GE Aviation as a Product Design and Mission Analysis Engineer. I became interested in Intellectual Property Law during my junior year of college as President of Case Western’s Mock Trial program. Patent Law enhances my dual interests in engineering and law. At HFZ, I exercise my engineering know-how and passion for cutting edge technology to assist in the preparation and prosecution of patents for our clients.

Before I joined the HFZ team, I studied electrical engineering at Marquette University. While at Marquette I worked in the power electronics lab assisting in the design of power electronic converters. Additionally, I interned at S&C Electric designing control systems for power converter test fixtures.  I also interned at Johnson Controls in the Power Solutions division where I conducted design verification of a solid-state relay for use in lithium ion battery control. Throughout these roles, I worked alongside skilled engineers and production staff to further the goals of innovating new products and systems.

At Hanley, Flight, and Zimmerman, I am able to utilize my technical background and interest in new and innovative technologies in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications for our diverse client network.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked as a licensed professional engineer designing mechanical systems for new builds and renovation projects. While working in the construction field as a mechanical engineer, I was able to experience first-hand the impact new technologies have on the community. For example, during the global pandemic I worked with new technologies to improve indoor air quality and thus reduce the spread of Covid. These experiences as a design engineer helped cultivate my passion for new and emerging technologies.

At HFZ, I use this passion to help advance our client’s goals. Additionally, I draw upon my real-world engineering experience to further understand the scope of our client’s inventions, and I am continually excited to learn from the inventors.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked at Travelers Insurance as a product manager in the Claim Legal, Staff Counsel, and Behavioral Science departments. Additionally, through the Travelers Insurance Technology Leadership and Development Program, I completed four rotations in different lines of businesses, working as a project manager, developer, tech lead, and a team member of the enterprise innovation team. I worked on initiatives related to network, security, cloud solutions, automation, and innovation. I was able to absorb a breadth of technical knowledge and develop an understanding of the impact technology has in the insurance industry.

At HFZ, I leverage my vast technological background in the patent law field. My passion for merging the fields of law and technology to drive innovation to the next level motivates me to pursue a career in patent law. I enjoy learning about inventions and helping protect clients’ intellectual property rights.

Prior to joining the HFZ team, I studied Electrical Engineering Technology at Purdue University. Project and design work at Purdue included developing embedded control systems for digital washing machines and performing a design/build for an Atomic Force Microscope. Additionally, I interned with Grote Industries assisting in the design and manufacture of the newly emerging thin film LED technology for truck and trailer interior and exterior lighting. I also tested optical, electrical and mechanical compliances and specifications for LED technology within the industry. I was introduced to Intellectual Property working as a summer intern for an IP law firm.

Working at HFZ has allowed me to grow my knowledge and passion for new and emerging technologies while working alongside intelligent, seasoned patent attorneys. I strive to help our clients attain their Intellectual Property rights which contributes to the overall health of our economic system.

Having over 10 years of experience working with engineers and scientists in university-based research laboratories, I appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into the development and validation of novel technologies. As a doctoral student, I authored and co-authored research and review articles in Advanced Healthcare Materials, Dental Materials, and Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, obtaining substantial practice in the communication of novel concepts. I also worked as a Tech Transfer Fellow at the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer (OTT)—evaluating a wide range of invention disclosures, assessing prior art, drafting marketing abstracts, and identifying potential licensees—which significantly strengthened my interest in patent law. After completing a doctoral thesis, I worked with engineers and surgeons as a Biomedical Innovation Fellow in UM’s Pediatric Surgery Section to identify medical device needs through clinical immersion. This process inspired design and development of new product solutions to fulfill the needs and expectations of the Michigan Pediatric Device Consortium (MPED) program. This work expanded my knowledge of medical device technologies and commercialization strategies.

At HFZ, I work together with patent attorneys and patent engineers to help clients secure protection for their innovative ideas and maximize the economic value of their patents. At HFZ, I can utilize my previous experiences to help advocate for inventors and assist in securing the full extent of intellectual property protection to which they are entitled.

Prior to joining HFZ as a Patent Engineer, I studied Physics and minored in Mathematics at Wheaton College. Studying Physics has given me a broad range of exposure to various fields of engineering including mechanical, electrical and programming. In my Innovative Design Lab class, I worked with a team designing a door opening solution for individuals using wheelchairs. My math background has given me competence with data science, cryptography, and algorithms.

I have always had twin passions for both science and law, and the field of patent law allows me to pursue both. While interning at Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman during the summer of my junior year, I got to experience the field of patent prosecution in earnest, and immediately knew this was the career for me. Patent prosecution allows me to both work with brilliant inventors who are actively making the world a better place through fascinating technologies, and protect their inventions and rights, so they can focus on inventing. I am currently a law student in the evening program at Chicago-Kent College of Law.

Before joining HFZ, I studied biomechanical engineering at Marquette University. While studying at Marquette, I worked at Medela, LLC in the Product Development department where I assisted in researching, developing, and testing electrical and mechanical aspects of pumps and associated production processes. I became interested in intellectual property through my grandfather who is the inventor of several patents in the construction industry (e.g., US 4,000,592).

Working at HFZ has allowed me to utilize my engineering background as well as my passion for learning about new and emerging technologies. Here I enjoy working with the inventors at the forefront of innovation to develop and protect their inventive concepts.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Boeing in the Boeing Defense, Space and Security business unit, working on contracts with the US Air Force.  I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Dayton, where I became fascinated with how my engineering degree can be used in different industries.  I completed internships in electric power transmission, medical devices, and aerospace applications.

At HFZ, I continue to use my engineering background to understand the innovations of our clients and protect their rights to their intellectual property.

My path to HFZ began at Northwestern’s Innovation Lab. There, I worked in an interdisciplinary team of engineering and law students who developed an AI-based oral argument analysis tool for an Am Law 100 firm. This sharpened my interest in law, leading me to a career in patents. However, I’ve always enjoyed writing technical documents and giving oral presentations on my work. As an academic researcher, I focused on the design and analysis of parallel computing systems. I’ve also worked in the healthcare industry as a software engineer—experience I leveraged when developing a finger vein recognition system during my graduate studies.

I am currently studying law in the evening division at Chicago-Kent. I am excited to contribute to HFZ’s deep well of leadership, talent, and expertise in patent prosecution.

Before joining the team at HFZ, I received my bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology. The highlight of my education was my senior design project where I worked with a team to design a supersonic wind tunnel and manufacture a de Laval nozzle, test section, diffuser throat, and shockwave visualization device. Following my education, I worked as a Test Engineer for PING Golf Inc. where I performed structural and performance testing on hard goods golf equipment, designed fixtures for mechanical testing machines, and analyzed test result data.

During my time working in industry, I was introduced to the field of patent law by conducting dimensional conformance testing on competitor equipment. By working with the company’s legal department and contributing to the protection of their intellectual property, I became motivated to explore a career in patent law. What excites me most about the field is the prospect of learning about new technologies across multiple disciplines and protecting the rights of new and established inventors.

Before I joined the HFZ team, I studied Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. During this time, I worked as a teaching assistant for several electrical and computer engineering courses. I also had internships at Grayhill Inc., Morey Corporation, Argonne National Laboratory, and Collins Aerospace. I first took an interest in intellectual property law during my junior year during a communications law course. This course introduced me to the idea of being able to take my passion for technology into the world of law.

At HFZ, I am looking forward to continuing to learn about intellectual property law from experienced attorneys. During my time with HFZ, I look forward to working with inventors and companies to build strong portfolios and protect innovative product solutions.

Before joining the team at HFZ, I studied mechanical engineering at Northern Illinois University. A highlight of my time at Northern was my senior design project, for which my team and I designed and manufactured a wearable exoskeleton arm with lift assist capabilities. Additionally, I interned at EN Engineering to assist in designing pipeline systems for transportation of natural gas. After completing my undergraduate degree, I continued my education at Northern to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in dynamic systems and control. As a graduate research assistant, I worked on analyzing behavioral patterns of complex systems in nature, then capturing those behavioral patterns in a mathematical model. Ultimately, my graduate career culminated in a thesis paper in which I modeled the response of fish schools to a simulated predator.

Graduate research sparked my interest in learning about the new and novel, and ultimately led me to pursue a career in patent law at HFZ. At HFZ, I am consistently exposed to new ideas and technologies across all areas of industry. By helping to protect the intellectual property of some of industry’s brightest minds, I hope to further cultivate a culture of innovation and discovery that keeps the world moving forward.

Before joining the HFZ team, I studied Electrical & Computer Engineering at Michigan State University.  During this time, I worked as a graduate research assistant writing code for eddy current simulations used by nuclear power plants.  Throughout my schooling I also held internships in the aviation, automotive, and hydraulics industries, which were both hardware and software focused. This wide interest in disciplines also lead me to look at patent law as a means of incorporating new technologies and a desire to learn into my career.

At HFZ, I can combine my background and interests through patent law, doing so under the guidance of experienced and professional team members.

Before joining HFZ, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, with an emphasis in Aeronautics and a minor in Business Administration. During my time at Embry-Riddle, I took a specific interest in flight control systems and software, which I leveraged as a Software Engineer writing aerodynamics models for high-end, full-motion flight simulators. In addition to software, I gained hardware and integration experience with Embedded Controls work in both the Aerospace and Automotive industries.

I have always been fascinated by how things work, which led to a specific interest in intellectual property during my last year as an undergraduate student. I decided to pursue this interest by joining the law program at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law as an evening student while continuing to expand my engineering experience during the day.

At HFZ, I look forward to working side-by-side with the experienced and knowledgeable Attorneys, Patent Engineers, and Legal Professionals. I bring a diverse set of experience in software and control system design from a variety of differing applications along with my fundamental mechanical/physics-based knowledge to help protect the next generation of life-changing inventions for our clients.

Before joining the HFZ team, I studied computer engineering at Iowa State University. While studying at Iowa State, I worked with a team to build a mobile application for enhanced hospital inventory management and helped develop a system to detect and address bugs and service outages in large-scale cloud storage systems. The research opportunities and cumulative projects during my undergraduate education helped me gain a wider understanding of engineering and its applications.

During my time as a patent engineering intern at HFZ, I learned about the patent application process and drafted office action responses, motivating me to pursue a career in patent law. As a Patent Engineer at HFZ, I look forward to working with an accomplished and experienced team while learning about the newest inventions and technologies in a wide variety of industries. I am highly motivated in helping inventors earn the intellectual property rights they deserve.

As the Accounting Director for Hanley Flight & Zimmerman, I bring 20 years of accounting experience to the company. I oversee all financial aspects of the business, from billing and payroll to planning and forecasting. During my career, among other things, I spent many years at a public accounting firm preparing tax returns and becoming familiar with the accounting operations of various businesses. I also worked as part of a consulting team for a publicly traded company during a post-merger integration.

At HFZ, I support a team of talented, dedicated, and engaged IP professionals, including IP Assistants and Paralegals.  I build high trust relationships with my staff members to create a highly functioning and collaborative team.  Having started my career as an IP Assistant in 2008, I have hands-on experience in patent prosecution, both foreign and domestic.  I have trained and built highly effective teams to facilitate the execution of high-volume filing and prosecution strategies for Fortune 500 companies while catering to the individual needs of each client.

I leverage my IP experience with management and leadership skills of today to build a diverse and inclusive team of career professionals.

At HFZ, I am pleased to work with a tremendously talented team of attorneys, engineers and staff that perform their best work for our clients on a day to day basis. My work includes directing a recruiting strategy for the hiring of engineers, attorneys and staff, facilitating the onboarding of new employees, and planning the special events and celebrations for the firm throughout the year. Prior to working at HFZ, I was a public spokesperson for various companies within the automotive, textbook, technology and consumer goods industries.

My education in Computer Science at Northern Illinois University provided diverse experience with various programming languages and database management. Prior to arriving at HFZ, I managed the MS-SQL database for an electrical services company, working alongside skilled staff while expanding my knowledge of the latest technology.  At HFZ I help maintain a clean database and work on improving daily tasks by creating software, consulting, and working alongside the docketing team in an effort to serve our clients.  Hanley, Flight and Zimmerman has allowed me the opportunity to utilize my understanding of the latest technology and database management in the field of Patent Prosecution while collaborating with innovative and dedicated professionals.

At HFZ, I manage the annuity payments for specific clients within the firm and act as the lead trainer for new legal assistants joining our HFZ team. Prior to working at HFZ, I studied and practiced Trademark law in Venezuela after my studies at Universidad Catolica Andres Bello. My interest in Intellectual property brought me to the US to pursue my LLM at Chicago Kent. At Hanley, Flight and Zimmerman, I always feel challenged, and I’m lucky to work with seasoned and talented patent attorneys.

I am the Administrative Coordinator at Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman. I have been part of HFZ for 7 years overseeing the Front Reception Desk and staff, working with various vendors providing office services to our firm, while also supporting specialty projects for other administrative departments.  I enjoy helping HFZ maintain good relationships within building management and building services, as well as, our outside vendors. Prior to working at HFZ, I attended Fox College and graduated with a certificate of Applied Science in Administrative Assistant.

I am a Docketing Assistant at HFZ. This year will mark 7 years working with the firm. At HFZ, I help run the Front Reception Desk, work on various clerical tasks within the firm in support of legal assistants, attorneys, docketing, recruiting and operations. I work with managing the physical files in the office as well. Prior to joining the HFZ team, I received my Associates of Applied Science in Administrative Assistant at Fox College. I also attended DeVry University and received my Bachelor of Science in Technical Management.

Prior to joining HFZ, I worked at The Chicago Board Options Exchange for 17 years in different capacities, from Administrative Assistant in the PR Department, to Assistant to the Executive Director of Business Development and Program Director in the Educational arm of the Exchange, where I travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada coordinating options seminars for investors and brokers.

Since joining HFZ, first as a part-time receptionist, currently as the IP Docketing Manager, I bring my attention-to-detail and organizational skills to help our attorneys and patent engineers achieve success for our clients in their IP endeavors.

I have been with Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman since 2016 assisting in all steps of the patent prosecution process, to ensure accuracy in our filings and to make sure all docketing deadlines are timely met.  Previously, I worked as an assistant at a law firm focused in foreclosure practice. I earned a B.A. in Art and Management from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. I also received my paralegal certificate from the ABA-approved paralegal program at Loyola University.

At HFZ I assist in the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a wide range of fields including electronics, software, and aerospace engineering. I find the work challenging and stimulating. Prior to joining HFZ, I worked at Spruson and Ferguson in Sydney, Australia, prosecuting patent applications in their mechanical department. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Property from the University of Technology, Sydney, and a Paralegal Certificate from the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn.

At HFZ, I am grateful to assist our experienced patent attorneys with the preparation and prosecution of the patent application process. As a legal assistant I am responsible for acquiring and maintaining client systems and procedures as well as monitoring and assisting my practitioners in meeting docketed deadlines. Prior to joining at HFZ, I  worked as a paralegal for a bankruptcy law firm which specialized in commercial and residential real estate default work.

I have been with HFZ since 2013. At HFZ, I am assistant to the managing partners. I assist them in all aspects of patent prosecution and with client-facing administrative tasks including monthly reporting preparation and maintenance. Prior to joining HFZ, I was an Office Representative at State Farm Insurance agency. It gives me great pride to apply my previous experience of organization and personalized client relationships to HFZ and its clients. I'm proud to be part of HFZ's team in developing and protecting the ideas of innovators.