Firm Spotlight: Sarah Boone

You began your undergraduate studies in Microbiology; When did you make the jump to Intellectual Property?

I’ve always been a lover of science, and very much enjoyed the challenge involved in a highly nuanced and technical field like Microbiology. My undergraduate coursework was very interesting and taught me to think critically as well as develop a strong attention to detail. However, as I worked my way through intensive lab courses, I realized that a career which appeared to—on a day-to-day basis—involve repetitive tasks with little subject matter variety was not the best fit for me.

I’m a social person by nature. I crave engagement with other people and enjoy collaborating on a daily basis. I find myself desiring to work in environments which offer the opportunity to continuously learn and evolve. During my undergraduate career, it appeared that a career as a microbiologist would offer me a deeper understanding of a single technical field, but would not offer the variety of new challenges, and would not push me out of my comfort zone to develop new skills outside of the lab. I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to apply my love of science in a more social environment with ever-changing challenges and tasks. I was introduced to IP field by a friend’s dad who has the same undergraduate degree and works as a patent attorney. After talking with him about his career, I quickly applied to Akron Law in the hopes of pursuing a career in IP.

How did you end up at Renner Otto?

I knew I wanted to live in Cleveland for the long-term, so during law school I began interviewing at a number of firms in the area for summer associate/law clerk positions which would hopefully lead to full-time employment after law school. I wound up taking a position at a larger firm, but I always remembered my interview with Renner Otto. When COVID hit, I found myself searching for a new opportunity. Because I had continuously heard great things about the firm throughout law school and my professional career, pursuing an opportunity at Renner Otto was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted a significant change from the larger firm, where I could gain more responsibility and become more actively involved in the work I was doing. I officially joined the firm in August of 2020.

Did the firm meet your expectations?

Absolutely. I had a good feeling about the people and the culture of the firm after that very first interview I had right out of school. Upon joining the firm, reality exceeded my expectations—the culture here is the exact environment I had been searching for. I have the opportunity to be highly involved in client cases at an early stage in my career, and my contributions—big or small—always feel valued. However, the mentoring the firm provides is most important to me. All of the partners take an active approach to help young associates hone their skills and develop into really great and successful attorneys. We are made to feel like we are helping grow the firm together. Not only do they provide critical feedback, but they're very engaged with our work and help us find new opportunities develop and grow as professionals.

You're primary focus here is Litigation. What do you enjoy most about it?

Not only do I get to work on a variety projects with different partners, I also get to frequently interact with clients. Learning to engage with and develop relationships with clients is vital to growing as a successful attorney, and the opportunity to have such interactions early on in my career is very valuable. Litigation is much more strategic and collaborative than some of the other IP concentrations. Every day we get an opportunity to challenge our thinking and "think outside the box" when it comes to helping our clients. Some of the other aspects of IP are more black and white, with many formal procedures and process. Litigation provides the opportunity to think strategically, and we work as a team to find creative solutions which help clients achieve their goals.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in IP?

I think it's always intimidating trying to make your way through an industry that is predominantly male, but it should never be a deterrent. I saw being a woman in the IP industry as an great opportunity to create my own path and be an example to others seeking to enter the industry. Women in IP have the opportunity to pave the way for others and provide support and encouragement to those in other STEM careers. I also believe it's important to constantly seek mentorship along the way as well—not just with superiors at your firm, but with people you trust and who's guidance you respect. It doesn't even have to be within the IP industry, but can be previous and current work colleagues, law school professors, career-oriented professionals, etc. Having someone who you feel can help guide you to a greater success, help you navigate your career, or simply be in your corner cheering you on is key.

What about life outside the firm?

My husband and I just got married last November and are really excited to have recently moved into the Gordon Square neighborhood. We're big fans of traveling, so we're happy we got to experience NYC at Christmastime this year before COVID was on the rise again. We can't wait to plan more trips (hopefully) in the near future!