Fitch Even participates in a variety of organizations that advance diversity and inclusion in IP law and the legal industry, provide leadership and practice development opportunities to diverse lawyers, and champion members of disadvantaged communities. Some of the organizations we support are listed below:
- American Bar Association
- American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association
- Chicago Women in IP
- Duke Ellington School of the Arts
- Girl Scouts of the United States of America
- Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
- The Links, Incorporated
- National Bar Association
- New England Blacks in Philanthropy
- Patent Pathways
- PODER
- Professional Women’s Club of Chicago
- UNCF (United Negro College Fund)
- Women in Bio
ChiWIP
In June 2015, Fitch Even partner Nikki Little and four other Chicago-area intellectual property law professionals launched Chicago Women+ in IP (“ChiWIP”), a networking and mentoring group committed to the connection, promotion, and success of Chicagoland-area women+ in the field of IP law. ChiWIP offers a variety of educational seminars, career resources, leadership opportunities for personal and professional development, community outreach initiatives, and networking opportunities.
In addition to Nikki, who served as chair of the ChiWIP Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021, several other Fitch Even attorneys were among the first members of ChiWIP and also hold leadership roles within the organization. Fitch Even has supported ChiWIP events and initiatives through sponsorship and participation since the group’s inception.
UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) serves as the leading advocate for promoting minority education and community engagement in the U.S. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $5 billion to fund college scholarships for over 500,000 students and to support 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Fitch Even is proud to support UNCF in its mission to ensure underserved African-American students have equal access to a rewarding college education that prepares them for fulfilling lives, successful careers, and engaged citizenship. We have also assisted UNCF in protecting its valuable brand and intellectual property—including its renowned trademark, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste®—for over two decades.
