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Mock Pitch

ChIPs Mock Pitch is our signature annual event developing skills and building confidence for your team. 

Thursday, March 12, 2026

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Virtual

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Mock Program

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ChIPs 2026 Mock Pitch will feature an AI tech case with topics relevant to all IP lawyers. The case will explore both a wearable tech case that utilizes AI, how law firms may use artificial intelligence, and what issues organizations should consider in selecting a law firm that uses AI. 

Teams will be composed of four junior partners or associates, plus one mentor. ChIPs developed its signature Mock Pitch program to help associates and junior partners gain real-life experience pitching to clients. 

Teams are made up of 4 associates (or junior partners) + 1 mentor. The fee is $6,000 per team. 

For questions about enrolling your team, contact  Bridget Johnson.  

Email Bridget

In-house counsel who wish to volunteer to hear pitches or anyone who’d like more information about Mock Pitch may contact  Monica Phillips.

Email Monica
Newsletter Images Mock Pitch 22 mckool smith
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Mock Program

Background

In 2014, ChIPs developed the Mock Pitch program to create an opportunity for associates and junior partners to gain real-life experience pitching to clients, a necessary skill to elevate their careers and increase pay equity. Mock Pitch is now one of the signature events led by the ChIPs community. 

Designed to improve participants’ skills and receive feedback from leading experts in IP and law, the program featured 14 law firm teams and 60 client volunteers, including leading in-house counsel who played the role of mock clients in the scenario.

Senior-level in-house counsel with experience evaluating business pitches from outside counsel, including leaders from Sony Interactive Entertainment, Novartis, Apple, Medtronic, NetApp, VMWare, Microsoft, NetApp, Oracle, Salesforce, Dolby, T-Mobile, IBM, Meta and MasterClass, have helped elevate the next generation of women leaders and cultivate an ecosystem that advances women in tech, law and policy.

Mock Program

Volunteer

ChIPs is always seeking volunteer judges for the program. If you are leading in-house counsel experienced with the pitch process and selecting outside counsel and are interested in volunteering, please register using the link below.

Volunteer
Mock Program

Mock Program
Committee

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Julie Akhter

Senior Director of Programs, National Academy of Inventors

Rachel Fertig

Partner, DLA Piper

Heather Heeden

Patent Counsel, Microsoft

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Karen Keller

IP Litigator and Co-Founder, Shaw Keller LLP

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Sarah MacDonald

Director, IP Litigation, Sony Interactive Entertainment

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Anna Mayergoyz Weinberg

Senior Counsel, Apple

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Mindy Morton

Partner and Chair of Trade Secrets Group and DE&I Committee, Procopio

“As an attorney in a law firm, developing business and relationships with clients is necessary to expand your practice. If you don’t have pitch experience, no one will take you on a pitch to get the experience. How do you get it? Participating in Mock Pitch gives you that experience and puts you in front of potential clients.”

Karen Keller
IP Litigator and Co-Founder, Shaw Keller LLP, ChIPs Mock Program Committee Member

Empower your future in IP & tech

Join ChIPs today and help advance & connect women in technology, law and policy.
Join ChIPs Today

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