Gills Reflects on Cunningham’s Historic Nomination to Federal Circuit

Partner Jeanne Gills was quoted in a Managing IP article, “New Fed Circuit judge could bring much-needed certainty: counsel,” about what Tiffany Cunningham’s historic nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit means for the court and the patent bar.

Gills said it’s important to pay attention to all of Cunningham’s experiences – not just her litigation background – when considering how her expertise could create a stronger court. She also pointed out that Cunningham is a member of her firm’s executive committee, which Gills said should help her think more about the short- and long-term ramifications of the court’s decisions.

Gills, who is a member of Foley’s management committee, said that role has helped her think more about the long-term implications of her decisions because it has forced to think outside of her own practice group and office.

Cunningham’s litigation experience will also give her the ability to ask deep questions and push back against attorneys who try to make oral arguments that aren’t in their briefs, Gills added.

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