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.
Archives: Team Members
Bill O’Connor, Recruitment Coordinator/Operations Manager
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 and training of new employees, overseeing the office management and facilities, 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.
Jen Baumgart, Senior IP Paralegal
At HFZ, I am fortunate enough to support knowledgeable and courteous attorneys, who are some of the top in their field, while helping to protect the inventive concepts of our clients. Before coming to HFZ, I attended Arizona State University, where I majored in Business and minored in Justice Studies. I then earned my paralegal certificate at Elgin Community College while working as a senior litigation paralegal at a law firm in Chicago.
Being a part of the HFZ team grants me the unique opportunity to assist in the patent prosecution process from start to finish, not only in the U.S., but also internationally as the firm’s foreign filing paralegal.
Sue Stevens, Docketing Manager
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.
David Mittel, CPA
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.
Sophia P. Pilipchuk, Ph.D BME, MSBME, BSBME
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.
C. Taylor Grote, BSEE
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.
Luke M. Haberkorn, BSEE
Before joining HFZ, I studied electrical engineering at Marquette University. During this period, I spent two summers working at a high-voltage switch manufacturing plant and one summer at an engineering consulting firm. I assisted in designing high voltage/ high current test cages and low voltage/medium voltage electrical systems, as well as, designing arc-flash potential for various electrical systems. During my time spent working, I gained valuable insights into the design and implementation of new innovative systems and processes. These experiences have helped form a passion to work with inventors and to help protect their innovations with strong intellectual property rights.
I come from a large family where six of us are electrical engineers. Growing up in a highly-skilled technical family instilled in me a passion for emerging technologies. Working with the HFZ team has allowed me to apply my engineering background while simultaneously fueling my fascination and curiosity for innovative technologies.
Justin R. Lizalek, BSEE
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. Here, 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.
Kristopher T. Sabatini, BSME, BSAE
Prior to joining the HFZ team as a Patent Engineer, 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.