Corrin Drakulich brings a unique science background to her career as an intellectual property (IP) lawyer at Fish & Richardson. She attended University of Georgia, with a full academic scholarship and opportunities for hands-on scientific research in UGA’s applied biotechnology research lab. She also conducted research at ViaGen, Inc. Swine and Cattle Cloning Company, where she cloned two piglets. After receiving two degrees from University of Georgia, she attended the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, where she earned her J.D.
Her colleagues say Drakulich, now a principal with the firm, has built an impressive record of success working with biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical-device companies. Drakulich gauges her success by how effectively she helps her clients achieve their specific business objectives. She regularly serves as lead counsel for med-tech companies in patent and trademark litigations.
In the community, Drakulich co-chairs the Legal and Regulatory Affairs committee of Georgia Bio (a nonprofit aimed at advancing growth in the life sciences industry in Georgia). She is active in the Atlanta IP Inn of Court (an invitation-only honorary bar association) and ChIPs (a professional organization dedicated to advancing women in technology). She also volunteers with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, representing domestic violence survivors.
Drakulich credits mentors, “who were consistently and continually committed to my growth and success,” for helping her advance professionally. “Their confidence in me gave me confidence in myself. I now try to be that kind of mentor and champion for others,” she says.
Her message to other women building their own professional careers is this: “Enjoy the people you work with. Seek out people you respect and enjoy interacting with, and who will support your efforts to grow and thrive.” Drakulich believes a leader should listen with empathy coupled with reflection, and foresight.
For Drakulich diversity means valuing people because of, not in spite of, their differences. “Teams with varied backgrounds and experiences deliberate more critically, make more-informed decisions and achieve better overall results than teams consisting of only like-minded people,” she explains.
