My Why
What powers my practice
I was considering becoming a doctor, but a conversation with my mother in seventh grade—where she reminded me that doctors protect health while lawyers protect freedom—inspired me to pursue law instead. I find the greatest satisfaction in winning trials and helping clients solve complex problems, and I am energized by the teamwork it takes to prepare and execute a successful strategy. In my work, I focus on fostering collaboration by leveraging the strengths of both clients and colleagues, always aiming to solve my clients’ problems thoughtfully and efficiently.
Credentials
- Harvard Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Member, Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, 1983, cum laude
- University of Chicago, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemistry, Phi Beta Kappa, 1980, cum laude
- Illinois
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- United States Court of Federal Claims
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
- United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court, Western District of Michigan
- United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- Named Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary International District 6450, Inc., 2019-2020
- Best Lawyers®, Patent Law, 2016-Present
- The Midwest’s Best Lawyers©, Patent Law, 2021
- Selected to Intellectual Property Litigation, Intellectual Property Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers®, 2012-2024
Engagement
- Member, Federal Circuit Bar Association
- Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Member, Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
- Member, American Bar Association, Litigation, Intellectual Property and Antitrust Law Sections
- Member, Illinois State Bar Association, Former Chair, Antitrust and Unfair Competition Section Council
- Member, Chicago Bar Association
- President, Rotary Club of Chicago, 2019-2020; Member, 2010-present; Member, Board of Directors and Service Chair, 2012-Present
- Member, Downers Grove Rotary Club, 1999-2010
- Member, Downers Grove, IL Elementary School District 58 Board of Education, 2001-2009; Vice President, Chair of Policy Committee, 2005-2009
- Member, Board of Control of SAED, DuPage County special education cooperative, 2001-2009; Chair of Board, 2007-2009
Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List
Michael Best is proud to announce the selection of 104 firm attorneys to The Best Lawyers in America 2026 list, with representation across 48 different areas of legal practice nationwide.Read
Aug 21, 2025

“Enablement” to Obtain a Patent Differs from “Enablement” to Invalidate a Patent
Agilent Technologies, Inc. v. Synthego Corp. (Fed. Cir., June 11, 2025) illustrates how a word in the law can mean different things in different contexts….Read
Jul 3, 2025

Patent Office Expands Discretionary Denials with New “Laches” Fintiv Factor
On June 6, 2025, the Acting Director of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“the PTAB”) denied five petitions filed by iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (“iRhythm”) for inter partes review of four related patents (“the Petitions”).Read
Jun 16, 2025

