Implicit Bias in Legal Practice: Effects on Client Representation, Decision-Making, and Professional Relationships

Ms. Barnes created the concept of the IP TechBox to help clients think about the IP tools available to them to build barriers around their company to protect their innovation and brand. Her expertise is in creating patent portfolios for technological inventions (software and hardware primarily) and licensing the protected technology. Ms. Barnes helps high-tech businesses of all sizes protect, exploit and monetize intellectual property assets, providing strategic advice on complex IP transactions and overseeing the prosecution and defense of patents and trademarks. She also has experience in a broad range of technologies, including aerospace, deployable and collapsible structures, medical devices, after-market car accessories, automated traffic detection and response; unmanned aerial vehicles; and electronic and mechanical toys.

Ms. Batista represents large-scale employers across industries, including financial services, transportation, and technology, in a wide range of employment-based immigration matters. She provides comprehensive counsel on employment-based immigration matters, including nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications, permanent residency, and naturalization. Ms. Batista works closely with clients to design and implement immigration programs that align with business objectives and evolving regulatory requirements. Her practice includes advising on the immigration implications of corporate mergers and acquisitions, developing policies for global mobility programs, and ensuring compliance with federal worksite enforcement obligations such as I-9 and E-Verify. Ms. Batista regularly assists employers in navigating complex adjudication trends and government audits, offering practical strategies to mitigate risk and maintain operational continuity. In addition to her corporate practice, she has experience with family-based immigration and is committed to pro bono work supporting vulnerable immigrant communities.