Lathrop & Gage attorney Joan Archer (Intellectual Property - Kansas City) received two leadership appointments from the American Bar Association this week, when she became a member of the Special Committee on Jury Innovations, and was re-appointed Co-Chair of the American Bar Association's Expert Witness Committee. Both appointments take effect August 1, 2009.

This will be the second year for Ms. Archer serving on the ABA committee that provides continuing education and other support to litigators in expert witness matters. During her tenure as Co-Chair, the committee has explored emerging issues related to expert witness practice, including the proposed amendments to Federal Rule of Civil procedure Rule 26 concerning draft expert reports. The committee also anticipates publication of its first book on expert witness practice early next year.

The Special Committee on Jury Innovations considers the juror experience, the decision-making process and jury management. Committee members include lawyers, judges and former jurors. The ABA Section of Litigation is the largest specialty section of the American Bar Association.

Ms. Archer has litigated intellectual property and business litigation matters, including trademark, patent, unfair competition, and copyright cases. Her practice also includes counseling clients on trademark and copyright matters, including prosecuting applications before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and litigating trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings. Ms. Archer has substantial experience litigating trademark and trade dress cases, including those involving the Internet, domain names and black-market software. Her courtroom experience includes having first- or second-chaired over ten jury trials, bench trials and preliminary injunction.

About Lathrop & Gage:
A full-service law firm, Lathrop & Gage LLP has almost 300 attorneys in 11 offices nationwide – from Los Angeles to New York. In 2009, Chambers USA ranked Lathrop & Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, litigation, real estate and labor and employment teams among the best in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.lathropgage.com or www.beentherewonthat.com.