Overview
Introduction
Headquartered in Chicago, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun is an intellectual property firm that works with clients on six continents. The firm has participated in numerous Supreme Court cases related to IP law since its founding in 1955 and has been recognized as a leader in its field by major publications. Firm attorneys hold degrees in science or engineering—in addition to their juris doctorates—to ensure the best possible representation for their clients.
Firm Stats
Total No. Attorneys (2021)
50 - 100
No. of Partners Named (2021)
2
Featured Rankings
Top 150 Under 150
No. of 1st Year Associates Hired (2021)
2
No. of Summer Associates (2021)
2 (1 2L)
Base Salary
1st year: $180,000
Vault Verdict
Marshall Gerstein is looking for quality in their hiring, using behavioral interview techniques to establish good work habits and personality fit. Attorneys socialize frequently, with Zoom options available during the pandemic, and the day-to-day atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Overall, partners understand the associates’ value and treat them with respect; partners also provide extensive feedback on associate work, which associates view as valuable informal training. The billable hour requirement is considered reasonable, and the firm is good about redistributing work when necessary. Associates are also evaluated on efficiency, which some note can be difficult to control depending on the client fee arrangement. Projects are assigned based on both seniority and skill level, wit...
About the Firm
Premier Chicago intellectual property firm Marshall, Gerstein & Borun advises a diverse client roster made up of Fortune 500 corporations, startups, small to mid-sized companies, nonprofits, universities, research institutions, and independent inventors in its specialty areas of patent, trademark, and copyright protection and litigation. Located in Chicago’s Willis Tower, the firm is an enduring part of both Chicago’s skyline and the IP legal landscape.
Major Players in Intellectual Property
Founded in 1955 as Merriam & Lorch in the Chicago Board of Trade building, Marshall, Gerstein & Borun originally focused on the electrical, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Over the next 66 years, the firm branched out and today...
Associate Reviews
- “Attorneys are collegial and respectful. Politics are rarely discussed though the firm is beginning to be more openly progressive and welcoming on the diversity, equity, and inclusion front. Pre-pandemic, the firm offered many social opportunities. The firm has tried to keep this up to some extent virtually (e.g., a virtual holiday party where each employee receives champagne at home), but obviously it's more challenging since we're all remote right now. Still, there are plenty of optional Zoom get-togethers for those who are interested.”
- “Generally, I would say that the firm's culture is well developed, as professionals socialize frequently. The day-to-day atmosphere of the firm is relaxed and normally doesn't verge beyond that to any level of anxiety, etc. Further, professionals and staff have genuine, positive relationships that result in meaningful communications between the two and a healthy understanding of real-world issues that may affect daily workflows.”
- “The general atmosphere is very friendly and amicable. Attorneys tend to socialize in a number of events when possible, though COVID makes it difficult.”
