Five Minutes With… Lestin Kenton, Sterne Kessler

Director Lestin L. Kenton, Jr., is featured in the article “Five Minutes With… Lestin Kenton, Sterne Kessler,” published by Managing IP. The Q&A profile encompasses Kenton’s scope of work as a patent attorney, keys to success, misconceptions about intellectual property, and advice for his younger self, among other topics.

Following is an excerpt from the article:

Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer.

Effective communication is key. This is an important skill that will help every IP lawyer throughout their career. It is essential to have the ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally. Communication is a two-way street, so engaged listening is an aspect of this skill. Not only do we need to zealously advocate for our clients, but we need to be able to hear and understand what are our client’s interests and goals are so that we can effectively represent them and help them achieve their goals.

Any advice you would give your younger self?

1) Fight imposter syndrome every step of the way.

2) Hard work triumphs all the time, even if the return is not immediate.

3) Stay true to yourself and who you are—never compromise that for any reason.