(Chicago, IL – August 22, 2007) – Banner & Witcoff Ltd., one of the largest law firms in the United States dedicated solely to the practice of intellectual property law, announced today the formation of the Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship for law students.
The scholarship program will provide law students up to $5,000 payable for the Fall semester of their second or third year of law school. The scholarship is open to all law students who are members of a minority group (including any group traditionally underrepresented in the field of intellectual property law) and who meet the following criteria:
• Current enrollment in an ABA-accredited law school in the United States;
• Commitment to the pursuit of a career in intellectual property law;
• Strong communication and writing skills; and,
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and community involvement.
Applications for the scholarship will be made available through each law school’s career services office and through the Banner & Witcoff website:www.bannerwitcoff.com/diversity.cfm.
According to Thomas K. Pratt, president of Banner & Witcoff, Ltd, “The firm is thrilled to offer the Donald W. Banner Diversity Scholarship to law students. As a firm we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that values the differences among our attorneys, legal professionals, and support staff.”
About Donald W. Banner
Donald W. Banner, a former U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks was a leader in the field of patent law. He was Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law, President of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, a founding member of the Association of Corporate Patent Counsel, President of the International Patent and Trademark Association, Co-founder and President of the Intellectual Property Owners Association, and Director of the John Marshall Law School Center for Intellectual Property Law. He was also a United States delegate to numerous international diplomatic conferences.Because of his many accomplishments and the respect he garnered in the field of intellectual property, Mr. Banner was appointed to be U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks by both Presidents Nixon and Carter, the only person to be so appointed by presidents of both political parties. He served in that office only during the Carter Administration.
For more information about Banner & Witcoff contact Chris Hummel at chummel@bannerwitcoff.com or visit www.bannerwitcoff.com.
Posted: August 22, 2007
