Deborah Shepherd is Of Counsel at Knobbe Martens. Her practice includes domestic and international trademark searches, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement work, trademark portfolio development, strategic counseling, and representation in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Ms. Shepherd is also experienced in negotiating patent licensing agreements, trademark licensing agreements, and other intellectual property agreements.

Here is what Deborah had to say when asked about developing your negotiation and logic skills:

GenHERation^®: What is one of the biggest misconceptions about working as an attorney?

Deborah Shepherd: One big misconception is that attorneys spend a significant amount of time gathered around a conference table in dramatic discussions like they do in some TV shows.   

GenHERation^®: How can you achieve a win-win situation when participating in a negotiation?

Shepherd: It is important to remember that there is usually not one clear answer, one right answer, a black and white answer to a problem. During the first week of law school, our class was given background facts regarding a dispute between two people. We were asked to pick who we thought had the better case and to draft arguments on their behalf. There seemed to be a clear winner in my mind. However, as soon as we were done, we were told to defend the other side and draft arguments on their behalf. This exercise taught me that, in order to be successful in a negotiation, you need to take the time to gain a good understanding of the other side’s perspective and attempt to anticipate what they might argue before even walking into the negotiation. When you embrace this mindset, you are in a much better position to arrive at a good compromise and achieve a win-win situation. 

GenHERation^®: What three skills have you developed working as an attorney that students can utilize in their own lives?

Shepherd: As mentioned above, one skill I have developed working as an attorney that students can utilize in their own lives is the ability to negotiate with the focus on finding a good compromise. We all negotiate every day. Whether you and a friend are trying to decide on what restaurant to go to or whether you are trying to convince your parents to let you go somewhere, you are using negotiation skills. Know how to identify and articulate your goal for the situation, but also be willing to find a compromise that everyone can live with. Another skill is the ability to focus on and find balance in your life. Get your work done, but make time to exercise and spend time with family and friends. It is difficult to be your best you if you are lacking balance in your life. A third skill is being friendly and personable. Don’t be a robot. People want to work with people they like. 

GenHERation^®: What time management tactics do you rely on when managing multiple caseloads?

Shepherd: We all have items on our “to do” lists that we avoid. We just keep moving that task to the bottom of our list. Conquer that task first, even if it is challenging. Most of us tend to tackle the easiest tasks first because accomplishing them allows us to check things off our list. However, when we do this, we can end up neglecting more important tasks that need to get done. At times, you can wonder how you are going to get everything done, but when you take this approach and complete those tasks you want to avoid, suddenly things feel much more manageable.   

GenHERation^®: How can you become great at thinking on your feet?

Shepherd: Practice. Find opportunities, classes, or situations that challenge you to think on your feet. Practice is helpful, but you should also remember that many of us are a work in progress in this area.   

GenHERation^®: What steps can students take to develop their logic skills?

Shepherd: Take classes if you have the opportunity to do so. Much like being an athlete, it is important to train your mind. Also, with any problem you have in your life, try thinking about solutions instead of simply dwelling on the problem. Be proactive. Use logic on a daily basis to find helpful solutions to problems. For example, if you plan on going to your teacher to complain about a problem, use logic to think of a potential solution or solutions before you talk to your teacher. Not only will you be developing your logic skills, you will gain respect for being a problem solver. 

GenHERation^®: How can you be a more persuasive communicator?

Shepherd: Prior to talking to a person you want to persuade about something, write down notes about what you think they might say in response and issues they may raise. Find potential solutions to those issues before you talk to them. Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are trying to persuade, try and anticipate why they might say no, and determine how you can convince them that your goal is worth it.

GenHERation^®: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Shepherd: There is a big emphasis today on getting good grades, getting that perfect internship, and having that perfect college resume, but sometimes you can just go down this road and forget about the big picture. Try to think about the life you want. What do you want to study? Where do you want to live? What are your passions? What classes do you really enjoy? What type of career do you want? Talk to as many people as you can. Don’t just get lost in the day-to-day goals. Focus on important big picture questions too. Also, never be afraid to ask for and fight for what you want. You have a voice. Never be afraid to use it.

Deborah Shepherd is Of Counsel at Knobbe Martens. Her practice includes domestic and international trademark searches, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement work, trademark portfolio development, strategic counseling, and representation in proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Ms. Shepherd is also experienced in negotiating patent licensing agreements, trademark licensing agreements, and other intellectual property agreements.

Ms. Shepherd attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. She then attended the University of San Diego School of Law.

Ms. Shepherd works with clients in various industries, including computer software; medical device; telecommunications; semiconductor; clothing and jewelry; skin and hair care; retail, restaurant, entertainment, and consumer product industries.