Emily Tait, a partner in Jones Day's Intellectual Property Practice resident in the Firm's Detroit Office, has been chosen as a "Notable Women in Law" for 2021 by Crain's Detroit Business. The women on the list include Michigan-based lawyers from law firms, businesses, and the public sector who have led significant matters for their clients, set legal precedents, and pursued justice, while mentoring the next generation of leading lawyers.

Ms. Tait serves as a trusted advisor in complex intellectual property disputes and transactions, and has developed a deep understanding of issues related to autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, connected mobility, and protection and enforcement of rights in software and data. She works closely with clients in high-stakes matters involving patented technology, copyrighted works (including software), trade secrets, data, and trademarks. She has experience in both district court and appellate litigation, and has participated in several successful appeals to the Federal Circuit. In addition, Ms. Tait advises on IP protection, enforcement, and risk management strategy; structures transactions and agreements involving IP and technology; and conducts due diligence related to IP acquisition and licensing. She is a leader of the Firm's Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics team and serves as training partner in the Detroit Office.

Ms. Tait has devoted considerable attention to companies with Midwestern roots that are not traditionally perceived to be "tech" companies but are, in fact, cutting-edge organizations in terms of their IP innovations, development of technology, and implementation of AI. To further her knowledge of this area, she obtained a certification in AI: Implications for Business Strategy from the MIT Sloan School of Management and the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in February 2020. She regularly speaks and writes about topics related to the intersection of AI and IP law. In the past few years, she cultivated thought leadership in this area so as to provide guidance to clients when the technological and legal landscapes remain in flux.

Ms. Tait was a co-founder of the Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court, the purpose of which is to promote professionalism, ethics, excellence, community service, and mentorship in the legal community and to foster relationships between the bench and all aspects of the bar. She has served on the Inn's Executive Board from its founding until the present, most recently in the role of President. In that capacity, she implemented mentorship, pro bono, and community outreach initiatives, including offering the Inn's assistance to community organizations during the early stages of the COVID crisis.

Since beginning her career, Ms. Tait has formally and informally mentored associates and maintained an active pro bono practice. She helps non-profit organizations secure their valuable IP rights, and has performed pro bono services in connection with Jones Day's "Laredo Project" (conducting interviews of migrants at the border to assess potential eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal), and has also worked on various projects to combat human trafficking and to advance civil justice reform.

"Emily is an inspiration to everyone in her orbit. She brings a unique blend of smarts, intellectual curiosity, and practicality to every matter and combines that brainpower with a generosity and compassion that inspires confidence and endears her to clients and colleagues alike," said Tim Melton, Partner-in-Charge of the Firm's Detroit Office. "She successfully manages the needs of her clients and her family while always having time to mentor and train those working with her in ways that will positively impact many people for years to come. Emily has made countless contributions to our profession and the community we all share. I am confident that she will continue to be a powerful leader in law and our society for years to come."

Prior to this year's recognition, Crain's Detroit Business also recognized Ms. Tait as one of Michigan's "Notable Women in the Law" in 2017. She has also been named to DBusiness' list of "Top Lawyers" for 2021. She is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Federal Circuit Bar Association.