In this episode, Kathy sits down with Christine Hollis, the Chief Talent and Diversity Officer at Marshall Gerstein & Borun — one of the top intellectual property law firms in the U.S. Christine brings a fresh, energetic perspective to the often-misunderstood world of patent law and STEM-driven legal careers.

Together, they explore what intellectual property (IP) law really is, how STEM professionals are critical to patent work, and why careers like technical specialist, patent agent, and IP attorney can be incredibly dynamic, creative, and rewarding. Christine also opens up about her winding path from aspiring physician to industrial/organizational psychologist to talent leader in IP law.

This conversation is uplifting, surprising, and packed with insights on innovation, communication skills, resilience, and the future of STEM in law.

Topics We Cover

• What intellectual property (IP) law actually is — and what it isn’t
• How scientists, engineers, and STEM grads power patent work
• The differences between technical specialists, patent agents, and patent attorneys
• How patent agents can take the patent bar without a law degree
• What prosecution means in the patent world
• How to know when to contact a patent attorney about an idea
• Why communication skills matter as much as technical skills
• Diversity in IP law and building a more inclusive STEM-to-law pipeline
• How remote work has shifted resilience, social skills, and workplace culture
• Christine’s path from psychology to legal talent leadership
• Why patent law is “like Disneyland” for people who love innovation

Key Messages

• STEM backgrounds are incredibly versatile. Engineers and scientists aren’t limited to labs — they can build long, impactful careers in patent law and innovation strategy.
• You don’t need a JD to work in patent law. Patent agents can draft and prosecute patents with only the patent bar + STEM expertise.
• Communication is a superpower. The ability to translate complex science into everyday language is essential everywhere — especially in IP.
• Career paths can be nonlinear and still land exactly where you belong. Christine’s story is a great example.
• Humans need connection. Christine’s insights on resilience, mental health, and post-pandemic social shifts apply far beyond law.

About Our Guest

Christine Hollis is the Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP in Chicago. She leads recruiting, professional development, DEI strategy, and organizational culture for a firm filled with engineers, scientists, and attorneys working at the forefront of innovation. Christine has a master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and has built a career helping technical professionals thrive in people-first workplaces.

Links & Resources

• Marshall Gerstein & Borun LLP: https://www.marshallip.com
• Patent Pending Speakeasy in NYC:  https://www.patentpendingnyc.com/

Connect With Us

• Podcast Website: https://www.ordinarily-extraordinary.com
• Email: [email protected]
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Music by Kay Paulus

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