Global law firm K&L Gates LLP has collaborated with Loyola Law School in Chicago to establish a scholarship honoring the legacy of late longtime Chicago partner Robert “Bob” Connors, who passed away in 2022.

The Robert Connors Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student interested in intellectual property (IP) law.

Connors received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1989 and began his career as an engineer at Air Liquide America, designing equipment for large high-tech companies. His work was awarded six US patents. In his early 30s, he enrolled in Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law. While still a student, he became the first-ever patent law clerk at Bell, Boyd & Lloyd LLP. After graduating cum laude in 2000, he joined the firm on a full-time basis and helped build the century-old firm’s newest practice, focusing on patent procurement and intellectual property litigation for the medical industry.

In 2009, Bell Boyd combined with K&L Gates and Connors was later promoted to equity partner in the firm.

Colleagues remember Bob fondly as a great collaborator and teacher.

“While we miss Bob’s presence, we hope that by funding this scholarship we will continue to grow future practitioners in a practice to which Bob devoted his whole career and to continue his legacy of training and mentoring,” said Robert M. Barrett, a leader of K&L Gates’ IP practice area.

An initial contribution from the firm has seeded the scholarship fund, which will also be supported by outside donations. Contributions can be made via the Loyola website at: https://bit.ly/RobertConnorsScholarship