We have been celebrating the brilliant women of Tarter Krinsky & Drogin all Women’s History Month long. They are integral to the success of our firm, clients and community. In this installment, learn more about Intellectual Property Counsel Rachel Lin.

Why did you choose your profession?
I was a chemical engineering major in college and assumed I’d get a job as an engineer after graduation. My favorite part of lab work and group projects was the end, writing up the reports and showing what we’d accomplished, and how our data supported our conclusions. During my junior year, we looked at a patent for a project. It was full of highly technical language, and it occurred to me that the lawyer who had drafted it must have had an engineering background. I realized that intellectual property law would be the ideal profession for me – working with scientists and engineers to summarize and interpret the results of what they have done (technical skills), and advocating to show how these results contribute something positive to the world and should be protected (legal skills).

What has been the key to your success?
Always focus on giving the clients the best possible service. This of course requires a lot of communication to find out their needs and priorities, and a willingness to accept feedback and frequently go the extra mile to help them achieve their business goals. I’m never afraid to roll my sleeves up and get it done. I’ve found that if I make client service my top priority, everything else falls into place.

How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I make a lot of lists! And I’m fortunate to have a wonderful husband who sees work-life balance as a family endeavor. We work together toward the common goal of being good parents, partners and professionals in our respective careers.

What is your favorite quote?
"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” – Earl Nightingale

What do you enjoy most about working at TKD?
The wonderful people here – especially my department heads who have so much faith in me and have been great teachers and mentors.