2017 Report of the Economic Survey

AIPLA Report of the Economic Survey 2017

CHARACTERISTICS OF FIRMS

A separate questionnaire was used to obtain data on the characteristics of firms engaged in IP practice, including the number and type of attorneys, support staff employed, activities outsourced, billing rates and practices, and liability insurance issues. The source of this information was typically the managing partner/shareholder (50.2%). The information provided by 205 private firms is summarized and illustrated below.

NUMBER AND TYPE OF ATTORNEYS

 Three in 10 respondents reported having 11-30 attorneys. Just over one-quarter of responding firms (26.9%) had five or fewer attorneys, and another 28.3% had 31 or more attorneys.  Seven in 10 (71.3%) reported having only one major office location.  Eight in 10 firms reported that IP accounted for three-quarters or more of their practice – slightly lower than reported in 2015 (82.7%), and 2013 (83.2%).  The median number of partners/shareholders for all firms in 2016 was 5.0, a return to the number reported in 2012. There were 8.0 (median) associate attorneys, and 3.0 of counsel. The median total number of attorneys was 16.0, and 10.0 for those whose practice is primarily IP. The median number of attorneys whose practice is primarily IP who joined the law firm in 2016 was 3.0.  Typically (87.3%), less than 25% of attorneys are hired through a recruiter (head hunter). If a recruiter is used, they are paid (on average) 22.5% of the salary by the firm, a slight increase over what was reported in 2015 and 2013.  A median number of 2.0 attorneys whose practice is primarily IP law left the firm (including retiring) in 2016.

NUMBER OF ATTORNEYS IN FIRM IN 2016 (P. F-1, Q4)

POSITION OF PERSON RESPONDING TO FIRM SURVEY (P. F-2, Q1)

3-5 13.9%

Two 6.5%

6-10 14.4%

Managing Partner/ Shareholder

One 6.5%

50.2%

Administrator

24.4%

101 or More 14.4%

11-30 30.3%

31-100 13.9%

25.4%

Other Position

PERCENT OF PRACTICE THAT IS IP (P. F-1, Q20)

75% or More 80.7%

Less than 75% 19.3%

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