Morgan & Finnegan LLP is pleased to announce that Kathryn A. Barrett, a member of the firm’s incoming first-year class is the winner of the firm’s George B. Finnegan, Jr. Memorial Scholars Program.

A new tradition begun in 2007, this writing competition recognizes the rookie associate whose legal writing submission best demonstrates the qualities personified by George B. Finnegan, Jr., a founding partner responsible for securing the rights to major energy-related inventions in the 1920s.

The papers are judged on the following criteria: creativity; originality; clarity of expression; accuracy and thoroughness of research; contributing to the legal profession; and exceptional style, organization and content of work. The firm awards the first place winner a prize of $5,000.

Ms. Barrett, who received both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Notre Dame, submitted a paper, "Which Came First, The Mark Or The Trade? How Brand Package Portfolios, Complete With Registered Trademarks, Invert Traditional Trademark Ideals." Her paper discussed the legal implications, from a trademark perspective, of one company’s bold approach to selling brand identity packages in advance of any client initiative.

"Offering this opportunity to our new associates perpetuates our firm’s tradition of excellence in intellectual property law, as well as our reputation for nurturing new talent and being an excellent place for career development," said John F. Sweeney, a senior partner and member of Morgan & Finnegan’s Executive Committee. "We were impressed by the outstanding quality of the papers submitted by Kathryn and her peers and look forward to working with them."

http://www.morganfinnegan.com/career/summer_associates/georgebfinnegan