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“Our diversity inspires intellectual creativity.” — Steven J. Nataupsky, Managing Partner
Knobbe Martens is committed to promoting diversity through its hiring practices, staffing of clients’ legal
matters and its involvement in the community.
The firm was recognized as the fifth most diverse firm in the nation out of 252 major law firms. Knobbe Martens also ranked 4th for its number of minority equity partners and second for its percentage of Asian American attorneys in a 2009 survey conducted by Diversity &
The Bar, a publication of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association.
The lawyers at Knobbe Martens are involved in professional organizations and community associations dedicated to supporting professionals from diverse backgrounds, including the California Minority Counsel Program (CMCP),
#5 For Percentage Of Minority Attorneys In U.S. #4 In number of minority equity partners 20% women equity partners* 14% minority equity partners* 20% women associates* 25% minority associates*
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* Current as of November 4, 2009.
The Firm’s Diversity Committee meets regularly to discuss initiatives for enhancing the firm’s growth and outreach to recruits of diverse backgrounds. The Diversity Committee’s goal is to ensure that the firm is continuing to support diversity initiatives and identify innovative ways to encourage diversity within our firm and in the community.
Meet Our Attorneys
“At Knobbe, you have access to training and mentorship to help build a successful and sustainable intellectual property law practice.”
Sheila N. Swaroop joined the firm in 2000, and became a partner in 2005.
Ms. Swaroop represents various clients in all types of patent, trademark, and trade dress disputes. Her cases have involved a vast array of technologies and products, including pharmaceuticals, biochemical products, and mechanical devices. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Swaroop completed a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Saundra Brown Armstrong, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and a judicial externship with the Honorable Gary L. Taylor, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Ms. Swaroop served as President of the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California from 2004-2005 and was named a "Rising Star" by SuperLawyers magazine in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
“KMOB's diversity is a strength and an asset to the firm.”
Sabing H. Lee joined the firm in 1997, and became a partner in 2003.
Mr. Lee's practice includes strategic patent procurement, patent portfolio management, general counseling on infringement and licensing issues, and other related issues. Mr. Lee currently represents clients in a wide range of technologies, including medical devices, nanotechnology, and semiconductor fabrication.
“Knobbe allowed me the flexibility and choice to choose the path that works best for me.”
Josue A. Villalta joined the firm in 2002, and became partner in 2008.
Mr. Villalta's practice includes patent protection, including patent prosecution, patent portfolio management and general counseling on infringement issues. He represents clients in the medical device and automotive fields, among others. Prior to joining the firm, Josue was a Senior Mechanical Engineer with General Electric, where he was involved in the analysis of commercial nuclear power plant operation.
Membership of the Firm’s Diversity Committee includes:
Susan Natland, Partner
Irfan Lateef, Partner
Christy Lea, Partner
Craig Summers, Partner
Wendy (Kuwamoto) Peterson, General Counsel
Thomas Yee, Associate
© 2010 Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP a Limited Liability Partnership including Professional Corporations. Site Map