Leydig, Voit & Mayer values differences between people including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations and strives to provide equal opportunities to all.

Our clients come from virtually all corners of the globe, and we believe in having a workforce that reflects our varied client base.  In our experience, combining team members of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives facilitates creativity and innovative legal solutions and strategies for any client, regardless of location.  Leydig has strived to develop a collaborative, supportive, and respectful environment that increases the participation and contribution of all employees.

IP Law Fellowship

Leydig offers an IP Law Fellowship as part of our summer associate program for students finishing their 1L year. As a summer associate, the IP Law Fellow gains a wide range of IP experience in trademark and/or patent law. To learn more or apply for this position, visit the Law Students section of our Careers page.

Opportunity and Belonging Committee

Leydig has an opportunity and belonging committee that reports directly to the Board of Directors of the firm.  The members of the committee are partners, associates, patent agents, and staff members of varied backgrounds, with representation from several of the firm’s offices.

The mission of the committee is to provide opportunities for all employees of the firm to engage with one another, build community, and engage with our local community.

The committee also collaborates with other firm committees, such as the recruiting, professional development, and business development and marketing committees, to enhance these opportunities in the firm.

Affinity Groups

The firm has the following Affinity Groups to assist members in career development, networking and mentorship:

• Asian American and Pacific Islander
• Black/African American
• Hellenic
• Hispanic/Latino
• Individuals with Disabilities
• LGBTQ+
• Women

ADAPT Partnership

The firm is a proud member of ADAPT, an organization that works to advance the IP industry through improving access to information and creating meaningful connection through technology. In addition to its mentoring program, ADAPT maintains a database of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for practitioners looking to join or sponsor an effort, or including templates for launching new outreach programs for aspiring practitioners. Leydig is pleased to work with ADAPT to grow and support the IP industry.

Examples of Leydig’s Impact

The firm encourages its professionals and employees to be active and engaged members of the local and IP community. It seeks to foster opportunities for all employees to participate in firm, local, regional, and national events. Examples of the firm’s impact include:

• Extensive mentoring programs and training
• Training for all professionals on topics that impact IP and the community aligned with local bar association requirements
• Prominent work assignments for all professionals
• Sponsorship of organizations and events that impact our communities, including: INTA Women’s Power Breakfast, Chicago Women in IP (ChiWIP), Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO) Chat Channel Webinars, Intellectual Property Association of Chicago (IPLAC), LAGBAC (Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association) Annual Gala, AIPLA Women in IP Law Global Networking Event, Association for University Technology Managers (AUTM) Western Meeting
• Various organizations attorneys/patent agents are engaged in include –Chicago Women in IP (ChiWIP), Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago (IPLAC), Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), ChIPs, International Trademark Association (INTA), The Richard Linn American Inn of Court, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois (HLAI), Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Washington, D.C. (APABA-DC), Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Hellenic Bar Association, American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA)