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Christine Filarski, ChiWIP Social Events Co-Chair


Christine is an associate at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, where she focuses on all things trademark and copyright. Her practice also includes licensing, advertising, and domain name disputes. In her work, she’s developed a love for helping start-ups make decisions about their IP portfolios and overall brand protection.


Christine became interested in intellectual property at a young age and has her father to thank for that. When she was 15 years old, her father, a patent litigator, took her to Oxford, England to observe a mock trial. While there, she was not only able to observe the trial, she was given the opportunity to prep witnesses. From that point on, she knew she wanted to be an IP lawyer. With this goal in mind, Christine went on to obtain a business degree from Indiana University and a law degree from DePaul.


Christine has been mentored by many influential women, including several members of ChiWIP. She also externed for the Honorable Anne M. Burke of the Illinois Supreme Court where she received immeasurable mentorship and experience in research, writing, and courtroom observation.


Early in her career, she realized the importance of networking, establishing relationships, and helping those interested in practicing law. Since then, she’s made it her mission to help women who are interested in copyrights and trademarks. She’s willing to help in any way she can—whether by giving general advice, reviewing cover letters, or encouraging women to join organizations.


Christine is a very friendly and outgoing person, which helps her establish relationships and gain the trust of her clients when offering solutions or strategies. She’s very proud of these relationships and believes her social skills are an extremely important part of her ability to maintain clients.


Her outgoing nature is evident in her position as Co-Chair of the Social and Networking Committee of ChiWIP, where she organizes ways for members to meet and socialize with other members of the Chicago IP community.


Christine is most proud of where she is, what she’s done with her career, and her involvement in the Chicago IP community. She was also recently named a 2020 Rising Star for her work in IP, and she was the 2019 recipient of the Animal Legal Defense Fund Advancement in Animal Law Pro Bono Achievement Award.


Christine loves reading, yoga, anything outdoors, and is a member of the professional board for PAWS Chicago, one of the largest no-kill animal shelters. The professional board helps homeless pets in the Chicago area by raising awareness, volunteering, fostering animals, and planning annual fundraising events.


When she’s not helping homeless pets or trying new restaurants, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and two pit bulls, Mila and Stella. She also can’t wait to start traveling again. She’s been to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Next up is South America.

 

Meet some of our other ChiWIP members here!

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Nicole Janovick
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