Has a client ever presented an idea where Wechkin thought this isn’t going to fly? Yes, he reports. And “the main skill to work with this type of client is patience.” “Sometime my clients find us because they engage Perkins to start a business, and as part of the new business there’s new technology, and that’s how we get involved,” Wechkin says. “Some clients have gone further down the path of invention. They get some initial IP developed and then they hear about Perkins’ patent attorneys. There are many times [where] if someone just has an invention they want to patent I will tell them
Bob Giles circa 1974
that there are cheaper firms, but if they are really serious about developing the business and want to be able to get on the phone with a business attorney right away in connection with their IP — or a licensing attorney in connection with their IP or trademark — we are able to offer the full suite of legal services.” Today the firm has more than two hundred intellectual property professionals in Perkin’s national practice. It’s no longer just a regional practice. “That’s how far we’ve come,” adds Giles with a proud father smile. Bob Giles class of 1974
Vana enjoys working with consumer product
When asked how law students of his day
companies, especially those in the technical
are different from law students in his class,
apparel field. “I find it satisfying to work with
he replies, “students today are expected
products I actually use. I also like the strategic
to be very proficient with technology.
challenges in helping clients navigate the range
They also have a much greater variety of
of issues resulting from the global nature of
career choices than law students had in
intellectual property law.
1993 when I graduated. That presents both
UW School of Law, and encouraged Vana to join
In addition to Vana’s adjunct faculty position
the ranks of adjunct faculty. “I teach Advanced
at the law school, he is also a board member
Trademark Practice. It’s really a tutorial. I like
and staff attorney at Washington Lawyers
teaching, and am fortunate that Perkins Coie
for the Arts.
encourages its lawyers to get involved in the
fa l l 2 012
opportunities and challenges.”
uw law
A Perkins Coie alumna, Signe Naeve, teaches at
community in our areas of expertise.” 27