Black IP Lawyers Who’ve Made It Look to Grow Ranks Beyond 1.7%

The rarity of being a Black intellectual property lawyer in the United States hits home for the 1.7% of attorneys who fit that description.

”People are often surprised when they learn that I practice patent litigation,” said Ellisen Turner, IP practice group partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. “When I introduce myself at conferences or events and give my elevator pitch, the surprise is often palpable.”

In particular, say Black lawyers who have broken through, people are surprised they can speak the language of patent law and that many of them have attained scientific and technical knowledge.

As a junior ...