Junior Lawyers Can Receive Additional Argument Time

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 agents and