David Lindner is a shareholder at Brinks Gilson & Lione, where his practice focuses on patent law. David has litigated cases in federal district and appellate courts, and has appeared before the Patent Appeals and Interference Board (now the Patent Trial and Appeal Board). David has also prosecuted patents both in the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, David is the chair of his firm’s Pro Bono Committee, and believes that helping others of limited means is an essential responsibility as a member of the bar. David attended DePaul University College of Law and worked in industry at a large telecommunications company before attending law school.
Q: How did you learn about Lawyers for the Creative Arts and what led you to apply to join the Associate Board?
A: I first learned about Lawyers for the Creative Arts (“LCA”) during law school. In my third year of law school, I externed with LCA. During that externship, I spent a few hours twice a week at LCA’s office and assisted with client intake and research projects. Working with LCA and its clients made such an impression on me that I started volunteering with LCA as soon as I passed the bar exam. I was one of the founding members of the Associate Board, so I have been around since the beginning.
What’s your favorite LCA memory?
It is hard to say that I have just one favorite memory. Seeing the joy in clients’ faces when I am able to successfully help them is certainly at the top of the list. However, the 2014 inaugural Associate Board Shindy is a high contender. We raised a lot of money for LCA that night while celebrating LCA’s fabulous volunteers with great music.
Which LCA or Associate Board events have you participated in?
I was involved with planning the Associate Board’s annual Shindy fundraiser from 2014-2019. These events are a time for us to celebrate LCA’s volunteers, to network with local artists, and to introduce LCA to those that have not yet heard about the amazing services and programs that it provides to our community. If you have not been to a Shindy event, I hope you try to make it to our next one.
What types of LCA matters have you taken on?
I have primarily assisted clients with copyright issues and have also drafted or reviewed contracts.
What advice would you give to an attorney who is considering taking an LCA matter?
Get involved. LCA has excellent online resources, and a deep network of volunteers that can provide advice and help along the way. People often reach out to LCA when they do not know where else to turn with their legal issues. Clients feel relieved knowing that there is someone like you out there who cares enough to volunteer and help in their time of need. You might just find that the feeling that overcomes you after making a positive difference in someone else’s life will lead to an addictive habit of regularly picking up new LCA matters.
Do you have any personal background in the arts?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. However, I was lucky enough that my parents regularly brought my brother and me into the city to visit the museums and theaters. The Art Institute was one of my favorite museums to explore growing up, and I took drawing classes until I started junior high.
Do you participate in or follow the arts here in Chicago?
I do. I love visiting any of the small venues in and around Chicago and catching a live music show. The energy at these shows in just amazing. I am looking forward to putting the pandemic behind us, so I can start enjoying these adventures again.
What about the arts in Chicago strikes you as unique?
The Chicago arts scene mirrors the diversity of the city. I love that–when we are not in the middle of a pandemic–there are multiple ways to express your artistic emotions in Chicago on any given night. Whether it be music, theater, a gallery opening, or whatever you desire, you can find it here.
How does LCA support the arts in Chicago and why do you think this work is so vital to the arts?
LCA is specifically focused on assisting artists and, as far as I know, there is no other organization like it. Knowing that there is an organization out there that will do its very best to support an artist when a legal issue pops up is comforting and ensures that our local artists do what they do best . . . create art that we can all enjoy.
Which tv-show/movie/song/book have you recently finished that you would recommend?
“The Rosie Project,” by Graeme Simison. I stumbled onto this book after seeing it in a list of books recommended by Bill Gates. I literally laughed out loud multiple times while reading it, but in the end, and without giving anything away, it gives you hope that we will all be accepted for who we are.
What's a fun fact about you?
I have jumped out of a perfectly good airplane (I am talking about skydiving) – twice!?!
Thank you to David for taking the time to answer our questions! Follow us on social media for future Featured Members from our Associate Board.