At ESF we are committed to creating and supporting an environment of diversity and inclusion. We actively recruit individuals who are devoted to superior service and who can enhance the firm through diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and demographics. We maintain an internal Diversity Committee, focused on initiatives to increase the representation of diverse lawyers and staff.

Partnerships:

ESF is a proud supporter of the Foundation for Advancement of Diversity in IP Law.  We are also members of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) and we have joined their respective pledges to assist in creating a diverse legal profession.

ESF stands united with the Maryland Tech Council and other Maryland organizations in taking the DEI in Action Pledge.  We recognize the value and need to strive for greater diversity, equity, and inclusivity both internally and in the community, through intentional development and implementation of actionable strategies.

ESF has partnered with the Patent Pathways program with a goal of improving the overall diversity of the patent field.  We are working together to provide patent skills training, bar prep, and covering fees to help register Black women with the patent bar.

The firm is highly engaged with the AIPLA Diversity in IP Committee, which develops content to provide awareness and understanding of diversity within the IP profession.

Mentorships:

Our attorneys participate in programs geared towards developing diversity in the industry serving as mentors to underrepresented law students including the following programs:

• The “Success in Law School Mentoring” program
• The “Sydney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Mentor” program
• The “Patent Pathways” program
• The AIPLA mentoring committee

Leadership:

Firm partners engage in a number of leadership roles including:

• Leading the Coaching Circle for LCLD Alumns
• Group Facilitator of the LCLD Pathfinders Program
• Serving on the Employment & Inclusion Committee of the Patent Pathways Program
• Leading the STEM outreach Subcommittee for the AIPLA
• Leading the Career Panel for the Maryland State Bar IP Section

We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe that every person brings a unique perspective and experience, and that diversity drives innovation.