Kimberlynn Davis: Achieving Goals, Imperfectly

Sidebars

Kim Davis is a rising star in the patent bar. Kim earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Emory University and her scientific training is instrumental in her practice, which focuses on prosecuting foreign and domestic patent applications in pharmaceuticals, the chemical arts, and metallurgy, due diligence and freedom to operate analysis, and client counseling and portfolio strategy for companies, universities, and research institutions. Among Kim’s many honors and accolades, she was recognized in 2018, 2019, and 2021 as a Georgia "Rising Star" in the area of Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers magazine, and named a “40 Under 40 Leader” by Emory University Alumni Association in 2020. Kim also serves as the co-chair of KT Voice, Kilpatrick's resource group focused on promoting the interests of Black attorneys. Kim is also a National Board Member and Chair of the Atlanta Advisory Board for Jumpstart, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring all children enter Kindergarten prepared for success.

The story of how Kim got to her present position and her current career success is full of pivots, twists, and surprises. In this episode, Kim pulls back the curtain and shows us how her relentless drive for excellence and achievement, which has been a constant factor in her life since her high-school days, allows her to navigate an imperfect career path to reach her perfect outcome.
Highlights include:
• The eternal question: doctor or lawyer? (1:06)
• A valedictorian competition, a pivot, and a prestigious new path (3:40)
• A reality check, a gut reaction, and yet another pivot to a new career (8:02)
• An Eli Lilly internship provides a glimpse of two potential futures: bench science vs. patent law (12:13)
• The importance of honesty for finding the right mentor (17:00)
• Being proactive in building networks pays huge career dividends (20:01)
• Working 9-5…and 5-9 (in evening law school) (26:05)
• Making the move from to Kilpatrick Townsend (29:44)
• Designing a great career takes thought…and a checklist (31:48)
• Tackling the PTO presidency during a pandemic (34:29)
• When your career takes an unexpected detour on its way to partnership (37:09)
• How to be a great mentee and how to mentor others (42:22)
• The value of being “the only” in your category (46:33)

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**The opinions expressed are those of the attorneys and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm or its clients. This podcast is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.