I have a different viewpoint. I truly believe that women can make it in IP, with many success stories about the women who already have done so. Some of the best lawyers I know are women, and many of them are either at technology companies or at law firms that do a considerable amount of IP work. The life sciences practice area, for example, is dominated by women. My views on this subject are based on my personal opinion, my experiences working at more law firms (and in different geographic locations) than I would like to admit and in my role as president of the Women’s Intellectual Property Lawyers Association.

IP litigation is incredibly aggressive, particularly since the stakes are often so high. The work can be all-consuming, with its demands for perfection and requirements for personal sacrifice that are often necessary in order to compete for business. In short, you really need to love it in order to stay in the game. And it is definitely not for everyone. That said, I find it to be the most challenging, interesting and rewarding area of the law. It is never boring, and I am constantly learning and meeting business people, including many who possess the greatest minds that Silicon Valley has to offer. Like the Intel commercial says: “We have our own kind of rock stars.” The IP field also is one of the most competitive areas in which to practice because it is commonly seen as being incredibly profitable.

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