Fish & Richardson Principal Juanita Brooks Inducted Into the ChIPs Hall of Fame

Nationally recognized Fish & Richardson trial attorney Juanita Brooks will be inducted today into the ChIPs Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to law, technology, and policy, as well as her commitment to the advancement of women.

“I am filled with gratitude to be selected as the 2023 ChIPs Hall of Fame inductee and to be included in the esteemed company of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Nina Totenberg, among others," said Brooks. “When I started my legal career over 40 years ago, there were few women attorneys, and even fewer from diverse backgrounds like myself. I forged my path, but I did so with a commitment to pave the way for women who followed in my footsteps. To be recognized for my legal work as well as my efforts to expand opportunities and foster inclusion within the legal profession is a tremendous honor.”

The ChIPs Hall of Fame was established to honor female leaders in law, business, and public service who break barriers, advocate for equality, and promote progress. Brooks is the 12^th Hall of Fame inductee and will accept the honor at the ChIPs 2023 Global Summit in San Francisco.

As a renowned trial and appellate attorney focusing on complex intellectual property litigation, Brooks is recognized as a formidable litigator with an impressive record of trial victories and as a champion of change in the legal industry. During her 46-year career, Brooks has handled more than 150 trials. Her successes in patent litigation have protected billions of dollars in value for her clients and have helped shape patent and IP law.

As a Latina, Brooks has shattered ethnic and gender barriers, changing the landscape of the male-dominated field she entered at the age of 23. Throughout her career, Brooks has made it her personal mission to help other women and minorities advance in their careers by investing time in mentorship, advocating for younger attorneys seeking courtroom experience, and supporting women in developing the practice management skills needed to succeed as a law firm principal.

Brooks served multiple terms on Fish’s Management Committee and used the platform to advance policies that have enhanced the culture and diversity of Fish and become blueprints for similar policies at other firms. Brooks was also instrumental in the creation of EMPOWER, Fish’s women’s initiative for female legal staff, chiefs, and directors. The group focuses on expanding professional and business development opportunities in addition to curating opportunities for mentorship, training, and networking. Established in 2009, EMPOWER has been a key driver in preventing bias in the promotion process, advocating for improvements to parental leave policies, and supporting optional reduced billable goals.

“Juanita has been a trailblazer in and out of the courtroom,” said Fish President & CEO John Adkisson. “Her legal achievements are well chronicled. Equally important, though, is how Juanita has shaped the culture of Fish to foster an environment that’s collaborative, creative, and inclusive, using her leadership mantle to push the entire legal industry forward. Juanita is an unequivocal advocate and champion for change, and I’m thrilled to congratulate her on her induction into the ChIPs Hall of Fame.”