Continuing a long tradition, Lawyers for the Creative Arts announces several transitions in positions on its Executive Committee. The Board of Directors elected Barry Irwin to replace Michael A. Clark as Board President after Michael's third year in that position. Michael commented, "It was Barry's committment -- actually his passion -- for providing free legal help to artists that brought him to LCA more than ten years ago. During that time he has been one of our most consistent legal service volunteers. He is a regular lecturer in our educational programs both for the arts community and for lawyers seeking to expand their knowledge of Arts Law. And, he has been a reliable source of sound governance advice through his service on the Executive Committee. LCA is in good hands with Barry as Board President."
Barry is the founder of Irwin IP, a fast-growing boutique intellectual property litigation firm. He began his legal career at a prestigious intellectual property boutique, later joining one of Chicago's iconic international law firms, where he was an equity partner for ten years. Each year, for over a decade, Barry has been named a Leading Lawyer, and a Super Lawyer. Barry also received Martindale Hubbell’s highest ratings (AV and AV+) in his first years of eligibility and each year thereafter. In 2015, Barry received the rare distinction of being named a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). In addition to his active litigation practice, Barry is an Adjunct Professor at Notre Dame Law School where he teaches both Patent Litigation and Advanced Copyright Concepts.
LCA is also proud to welcome Mary Innis of Innis Law Group and Craig Leavell of Barnes & Thornburg as Vice Presidents. Mary Innis is the founder and managing partner of the Innis Law Group. She has more than three decades of experience practicing in the field of intellectual property law. Mary represents a number of high-profile clients in some of their most high-profile matters. She has deep experience in intellectual property litigation, counseling, and prosecution involving trademark, copyright, unfair competition, advertising, promotions, right of publicity, privacy, and internet law.
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Craig Leavell is a partner in the firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP. His experience includes virtually all aspects of IP litigation, including jury trials, bench trials, preliminary injunction hearings before district courts around the country, as well as appeals before multiple federal courts of appeals. Craig has significant experience with inter partes review (IPR) and post grant review (PGR) trials before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), investigations before the International Trade Commission, mediations, and arbitrations.
Barry Irwin noted that former Board President Carol Anne Been and Vice President Philip Barengolts are transitioning off the Executive Committee back to their positions as Directors. Barry stated, "It's an LCA tradition to cultivate new leadership while preserving the institutional memory of those who helped build the organization. I'm honored by the Board's trust in me and also thankful to be able to call on the wisdom and experience of Carol Anne, Phil, and Michael Clark as we move into our 50th year."