Leydig, Voit & Mayer considers diversity and inclusion to be hallmarks of the firm’s practice and core values.  We highly value differences between people including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, ages, religions, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. 

Our clients come from virtually all corners of the globe, and we believe having a diverse workforce enhances our ability to advise our varied client base.  Moreover, we firmly believe that 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.  We embrace different opinions and varied backgrounds, which we believe provide fresh perspectives and enhance our work product.  

We recognize that a more diverse and inclusive legal community as a whole is an ongoing process and of paramount importance. To this end, we continually engage in vigorous self-assessment to ensure that we contribute a dynamic approach to diversity and inclusion.

Diversity in IP Law Fellowship

Leydig offers a Diversity in IP Law Fellowship as part of our summer associate program for students finishing their 1L year. As a summer associate, the Diversity Fellow gains a wide range of IP experience in trademark and/or patent law. Leydig’s Fellows are assigned a mentor from the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. To learn more or apply for this position, visit the Law Students section of our Careers page.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Leydig has a diversity and inclusion committee that reports directly to the Board of Directors of the firm.  The members of the committee are partners, associates, and patent agents of varied backgrounds, with all five of the firm’s offices represented.  

The mission of the committee is to further the firm’s vision for a diverse and inclusive environment.  The committee meets regularly to identify, implement, enhance, and support various initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the firm and in the legal and business communities at large.  

The committee also collaborates with other firm committees, such as the recruiting, professional development, and business development committees, to enhance diversity and inclusion 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 (Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams) Partnership

The firm is excited to announce its partnership with ADAPT (Advancing Diversity Across Patent Teams) to improve diversity and inclusion within the intellectual property field. ADAPT is a collective of IP and patent professionals working together to create a centralized platform which serves as a go-to resource for DEI program initiatives. ADAPT provides information and resources on D&I issues, how-to guides for running D&I programs, and opportunities to fund or volunteer with nonprofits supporting different parts of an aspiring professional’s journey. Leydig recognizes the importance of a more diverse and inclusive IP community, and we are pleased to work with others to drive more awareness for DEI within the industry.

Examples of Initiatives for Diversity and Inclusion

The firm continually examines and enhances initiatives for diversity and inclusion.  Examples include:

• Active recruitment of candidates with diverse backgrounds
• Extensive mentoring programs and training 
• Diversity training for all professionals
• Prominent work assignments for all professionals
• Sponsored diversity events include – INTA Women’s Power Breakfast, Chicago Women in IP (ChiWIP) Post-Holiday Annual Dinner Sponsorship, Managing IP Women’s Leadership Forum, Annual Women in IP Progressive Dinner hosted by IPLAC Women in IP, LAGBAC (Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association), Equal Justice Works at The Scales of Justice, Northwestern University Pritzker Women of Color Brunch, Diversity, Inclusion & Self Care seminar
• Various organizations attorneys/patent agents are engaged in include – Alliance for Women, Chicago Women in IP (ChiWIP), IPLAC Women in Law Committee, Volunteer tutor with Chicago Youth Programs, Women in Bio – Chicago region, National Association of Women Business Owners, Asian Practice Committee of Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPO), The Decalogue Society, SME (Formerly Society of Manufacturing Engineers) Education Foundation, Concordia Place, ChIPs.