SABA-DC Panel Discussion
Rainmaking: Business Development for Attorneys
Business Development. It’s a term and practice that has grown in importance over the years in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. What is it? How do I do it? When should I start? (Earlier than you think.) What works? Maybe more importantly, what doesn’t?
Join SABA-DC for a panel discussion with three highly accomplished partners spanning very different practices. How does a young lawyer navigate business development in an increasingly competitive legal market? What are the key attributes of a successful business plan? How do you establish a book of business? You have questions. Our panel has answers. Please join us for what promises to be an invigorating and informative discussion about this critical skill.
When: July 27, 2016, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe (1152 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005)
Cost: Free (LIMITED SEATING - Please RSVP to Amisha Patel at apatel@orrick.com)
PANELISTS
Anand K. Sharma is a partner in the DC office of Finnegan. He currently serves as a member of the firm's Management Committee and prior to that served three years as the firm's Mechanical Practice Lead, and before that five years as its Diversity Chair. Anand works in all areas of patent law, from litigation to strategic client counseling. His practice covers many technology areas, and whether managing patent litigations or patent portfolios, Anand develops client-specific strategies and leads teams of Finnegan attorneys to implement them. In litigation, his experience includes several jury and bench trials across the country. He has examined dozens of trial witnesses, argued key motions, and successfully led clients through complex settlement negotiations. Beyond his litigation practice, Anand counsels clients on strategic patent planning in areas such as patent procurement, post-grant proceedings, licensing, and pre-enforcement considerations.
Dinesh Melwani is a partner at Bookoff McAndrews PLLC, where he serves on the management team and helps lead the firm’s business development, diversity, and recruiting efforts. In just under four years, Bookoff McAndrews has grown from a small handful of attorneys to 20 attorneys. Dinesh is recognized as a leading patent practitioner by noted publications, including Managing IP and LMG Lifesciences. IAM Patent 1000 refers to him as a “diligent, responsive, and perceptive patent attorney who demonstrates a keen eye for the most successful prosecution approaches.” His practice includes global patent portfolio management, licensing, IP due diligence investigations to support investment and merger activity, and contentious proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Dinesh’s clients include universities, U.S. corporations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies, and numerous companies in countries across the world. In 2015, Dinesh was selected as a fellow with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. He also is a recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award.
Ritu Kaur Cooper is a shareholder in the DC office of Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman. She serves on the firm's Diversity and Marketing committees. Her practice consists of representing health care providers in litigation, regulatory and compliance matters with a particular focus on health care fraud and abuse and compliance as well as internal and government investigations. Ritu's clients include hospitals, health systems, large physician practice groups, federally qualified health centers, independent physician associations, laboratories, and medical device companies across the country from Alaska to Washington, DC. She assists her clients in navigating the requirements of the complex health care laws such as the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties Law, and the Sunshine Act. Ritu serves as General Counsel for Capital Clinical Integrated Network, a care coordination entity providing the DC Medicaid population with care coordination services and Interim Chief Compliance Officer for Beaver Dam Community Hospitals, Inc. in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. She frequently speaks and publishes on health care compliance and regulatory matters. Ritu's philosophy in providing legal counsel to her clients is to be their strategic partner working with them to seek a solution to their legal concern. Ritu is also President-Elect of SABA-DC.
MODERATOR
Amisha R. Patel is a managing associate in Orrick’s Washington, D.C. office. Her practice includes complex commercial litigation, antitrust, and intellectual property matters. She has represented clients in state and federal district and appellate courts, and before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and foreign competition authorities. Amisha engages in significant pro bono work related to immigrant rights and diversity issues. She is also committed to community responsibility and diversity in the legal profession. Most recently, she was honored with Orrick’s 2015 Diversity and Inclusion Award for her contributions in enhancing diversity and inclusion within the firm and the legal profession generally.