As fewer cases go to trial nowadays, judges have long been
mindful of providing young lawyers with "stand-up"
opportunities. For example, Judge William Alsup of the
Northern District of California, in his Standing Order, "strongly encourages lead
counsel to permit young lawyers to examine witnesses at trial and
to have an important role. It is the way one generation will
teach the next to try cases and to maintain our district's
reputation for excellence in trial practice."
On April 28, 2020, the USPTO announced that it will join this nationwide effort of training the next
generation of lawyers as part of its commitment to promote
innovation and diversify the patent bar. Effective May 15,
2020, the USPTO launched the Legal Experience and Advancement Program
(LEAP) to provide "new" patent practitioners with
speaking opportunities before the PTAB. To qualify, patent
agents or attorneys must have seven years or fewer years of
experience as licensed attorneys or
