Colleen Sullivan is a patent paralegal with over two decades of experience helping attorneys and firm clients maximize the value of their patents and the patent prosecution process through disciplined paralegal support. She has been with JMIN since its inception and is valued for her diligence, mindfulness, and proven ability to ensure client objectives are progressing smoothly and efficiently.

Colleen thrives in researching and managing the details of patents and the entire prosecution process. She enjoys that each day is different and challenging and rises to the occasion when faced with complex due diligence assignments, tight deadlines, and important client and patent office communications. Ever-timely in responding to clients and colleagues alike, Colleen is a valuable team member who strives to provide the highest level of practical competence in everything she does.

Colleen inspires confidence in everyone around her due to the earned experience she brings to the table. Besides her role as a patent paralegal and her already extensive paralegal/case supervisory role, Colleen participates in other special firm administrative projects as needed.

An outstanding communicator who does not waste time or resources, Colleen is appreciated for anticipating attorney and client questions before they are asked. She strives to go above and beyond providing what is asked of her, as her insight and longevity allow her to see beyond the initial request to predict and prepare for the many moving parts of the patent prosecution and management process.

Agile and open-minded, Colleen easily acclimates to embracing, learning about, and understanding changes in the rules, procedures, and protocols governing patent prosecution. Colleen makes a conscious effort to remain totally adaptable – one hallmark of her successful career.

Notably, Colleen is tri-lingual in English, Portuguese, and Spanish – language and cultural skills that serve the firm’s clients well.

Prior to JMIN

Prior to joining JMIN, Colleen worked as a paralegal for King & Spalding and Wolf Greenfield. Before entering the legal industry, Colleen served as an adjunct professor teaching Spanish at Penn State (while earning her master’s degree in Spanish), Tufts University, and Brandeis University.

Academia prepared Colleen well for a career in the law by helping her cultivate the discipline in research and daily preparation needed to be effectual, poignant, and impactful with her students and colleagues. As a teacher, Colleen believes learning a language is more than just conjugation and vocabulary; she expressly included vital information regarding Hispanic/Latino culture and major events to make the language real to those seeking fluency.

Outside the Office

A wife and mother of four, Colleen is always busy with family and various kid activities. Because her husband is originally from Brazil, they live in a trilingual household where cultural understanding is embraced and celebrated.

When Colleen has a very spare moment, you can find her volunteering in the community, playing tennis, reading, running, and hiking. She especially loves the beach and views ocean visits as a rare opportunity to do nothing. As expected of a multi-cultural family, Colleen enjoys travel – particularly back and forth to Brazil to visit family and friends.

Associations

  • Member, Women Leaders Association

Education

  • M.A., Spanish, Pennsylvania State University
  • B.A., Spanish Literature, Pennsylvania State University
  • American Field Service Student Exchange Program in Ecuador (1-year program)