Remote, Hybrid, or 100% In-Office Work Models in the Legal Profession – Mental Health Impact on Lawyers, DEI Impact on Lawyers, and Pros & Cons

Carlyn Burton uses intellectual property in creative and strategic ways to help clients achieve their business goals. With more than 15 years of IP legal experience under her belt, Ms. Burton has represented a wide range of clients – from accomplished Fortune 500 companies to innovative start-ups.  As a scientist, she combines diverse technical knowledge with a strong skill set across multiple areas:  domestic and foreign patent prosecution and maintenance, IP counseling, licensing, and IP litigation in the fields of chemistry, materials science, and mechanical engineering, with an emphasis in oilfield technologies, specialty chemicals, polymers, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

Shruti Costales (she/her)is the Managing Member at Shruti Law PLLC. Shruti is a licensed patent attorney and has worked in private practice, in-house, and with the Federal Government. She has 20+ years of deep legal experience in handling IP transactions, complex commercial transactions including drafting and negotiating XaaS agreements and handling FED/SLED agreements, product counseling, procurement agreements, due diligence and mergers & acquisitions related assessments, patent counseling, patent litigation, patent and trademark application drafting and prosecution. Her experience includes working in the technology (XaaS, IoT, AI,HW, and SW), microelectronics (e.g., semiconductors, integrated circuits/chips, microprocessors, memory devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS),optoelectronic devices, etc.), electronic devices, healthcare (including biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceutical – small molecule and large molecule), chemical (including catalysts and polymers), automotive, and petrochemical/energy technology areas. Shruti has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and a JD from Franklin Pierce Law Center (now the University of New Hampshire School of Law). She is an Advisory Board member for Patent Pathways® and is the former co-chair of the DEI committee for the Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) where she co-authored many white papers and guides. Shruti loves reading mystery novels, writing poetry, and sewing.

John Harrity is a co-founder and partner at Harrity & Harrity, LLP, a patent law firm renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and culture of giving back. With a background as a Patent Examiner at the USPTO, John's focus at the firm has been on electrical, mechanical, software, and business methods technologies. John's contributions extend beyond patent application drafting and prosecution through his work with the American Heart Association and the firm’s various initiatives that aim to improve inclusivity of the patent field.

Mercedes K. Meyer, Ph.D., represents leading life science and technology companies maintaining an extensive biotechnology and pharmaceutical patent management, prosecution, opinion and due diligence practice. With a doctorate in virology and degree in chemistry, Mercedes has a deep understanding of complex biotechnology and scientific research, which is key for advising life science clients on commercializing and protecting product innovations as well as performing diligence for investing in new technologies, particularly in corporate joint development projects. Mercedes advises on developing patent strategies, managing the intellectual property rights, and making associated investments and acquisitions. Mercedes also handles patent reexaminations and inter partes matters.