Women in Law 2022

CAROLYN BLESSING PARTNER Locke Lord

TOP WOMEN IN LAW HONOREE

C arolyn Blessing is a Partner in Locke Lord’s Chicago office and a member of the Firm’s IP Pharmaceutical Practice Group, concentrating her practice in IP pharmaceutical matters and Hatch-Waxman litigation. A Partner at the Firm since 2016, she represents pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in all aspects of federal intellectual property litigation, including pre- litigation activities, Paragraph IV Certifications, filing, fact and expert discovery, claim construction, motion practice, pre-trial, trial, post- trial and appellate phases. Most recently, she had significant roles in two fully virtual federal trials. A highly respected thought leader in her field, Carolyn regularly speaks and writes on topics related to law, policy, and advancement of women in the legal profession. Carolyn serves as the Firm’s Chicago office Hiring Partner and is a member of its Women’s Initiative and Law School Recruiting Coordinating Committee. She is immensely passionate about the advancement of women throughout their careers and is committed to empowering other female attorneys to develop their own strengths. Carolyn serves as the current Vice Chair of the National Board of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, a nonprofit membership association dedicated to enhancing the recruitment, retention and promotion of women lawyers and supporting women’s initiatives in law firms and companies. She has served in various leadership positions within the organization both nationally and in Chicago, including as past President and member of the Executive Committee for the Chicago Chapter, Secretary and Treasurer of the National Board, and she continues to serve as the Chicago Board Liaison for Locke Lord. Carolyn also received the Coalition’s 2018 Leadership Award for her work in support of its mission. In addition, Carolyn has been recognized for her significant contributions to the Chicago legal community through her active engagement in several organizations across the city. In 2021 she was named by Crain’s Chicago Business as a 2021 Notable Rising Star in Law. She enjoys giving back to the community and consistently encourages young professionals to be involved in organizations they are passionate about. A staunch supporter of Chicago Women in Intellectual Property (ChiWIP), Carolyn was among the first of its members. Carolyn also volunteers her time with Step Up, an organization dedicated to help girls and gender-expansive teens who may be facing systemic barriers to unlock their potential by empowering them to become confident, career-focused and ready to join the next generation of leaders, as a mentor. She served as Chair of the St. Procopius Legal Aid Clinic from 2014 through 2016, for which she earned the 2016 Distinguished Service Award from Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. She has also served as a Board member with the Richard Linn American Inn of Court. An ardent supporter of the arts throughout Chicago, Carolyn has been deeply involved with the Joffrey Ballet since 2012. Currently, she Co-Chairs its Generation J Leadership Council (formerly the Joffrey Auxiliary Board), a position she has held since 2016. Carolyn previously served as Vice President of the Board for 137 Films, a nonprofit documentary production company that promotes science through storytelling.

WOMEN IN LAW 2022