Karen Jacobs Louden Unplugged

A partner at Morris Nichols, Karen's thriving intellectual property litigation practice earned her recognition in 2005 from the prestigious legal publishers, Chambers USA.  Along with developing her professional excellence, Karen has taken on the added responsibility of holding important posts with the Bar and within the firm.  She is a tireless advocate of legal representation for the poor and has been honored for her work that has affected positive change in the greater community.  But equally important to Karen is her work at home: Karen is the mother of three young children.

However, such an impressive slate of accomplishments did not and does not come easily.  As a working mother with tremendous personal and professional responsibilities, Karen's daily routine includes constant compromise.  Karen admits that the juggling act is forever challenging, and she recognizes that success in one area of her life has often meant sacrifice in another.  She notes that the firm's state-of-the-art technology allows her to take work home if need be, which helps her to spend more time with her family.

Her advice to associates is to take the initiative, and to approach their assignments as if they were their own cases.  “Our associates are given as much responsibility as they are ready for.  We encourage them to take the ball and really run with it.”   Those who do will see their efforts rewarded, she says.  “What is different about Morris Nichols is that, if you perform well, our expectation is that you will make partner.”