Partner Spotlight – Ryan Beard

I have been practicing law for 23 years. My focus is on intellectual property law, particularly as it relates to patents, trademarks and copyrights for numerous types of technology.

Who is your typical client?

My clients range from individuals to small and medium companies to Fortune 500 companies, covering any size of business. The range of technology types for which I provide legal services is equally wide, including clients in the medical field, data transfer and storage industry, electric vehicles, mechanical devices, software and hardware companies, to name just a few.

How would you describe the Intellectual Property practice area at FisherBroyles?

My practice is unique in that I counsel clients on all aspects of IP rights – prosecution, litigation and transactional work. Clients benefit from my view and ability to advise them on their IP rights from creation to enforcement.

This is why FisherBroyles’ diverse and talented IP group is such an important resource to me. We have partners focusing on almost any conceivable area of IP law, and the opportunity to cooperate among partners, exchange experiences, and source client leads is invaluable.

How is it different from previous law firms you have worked at?

FisherBroyles is a breath of fresh air for any established attorney, especially one joining from Big Law. The Firm allows its partners to service their clients without suffocating the attorneys with endless restrictions and impediments – all too common at many large law firms. This really is a fundamental difference.

Another crucial advantage is the vast experience of all the seasoned partners at the Firm. I can leverage this pool of knowledge when servicing my clients, while not having to worry about the in-fighting concerning billable credits typically found at most other firms. This makes my legal life easier and provides added value to my clients at a billing rate less than what you have at other large law firms.

Have you been able to grow/build your personal practice since joining the Firm? If so, how and has the Firm’s model enabled that?

Absolutely. FisherBroyles provides me the freedom to market my services how I want, and, in tandem, supports me wherever I need resources to scale my business with established and new clients. There are established synergies within the Firm, and I regularly refer my clients to other FisherBroyles’ partners when my clients require legal assistance beyond IP issues. This is an extra resource that is very much appreciated by my clients.

FisherBroyles has all the benefits of a large firm, but eliminates the headaches that are the cause of Big Law’s negative reputation. I believe that FisherBroyles is the best option for attorneys who want to work at a top-level law firm, while maintaining a healthy work-life-balance.