Katherine Rubino

Partner and Director for the Life Sciences Practice Group

Boston, MA

My Role

I am a Partner and Director for the Life Sciences Practice Group at Caldwell. I work with high-growth technology companies to assist them in creating diverse intellectual property strategies that align with their business objectives. I also help them leverage their IP to grow their business and extract value for monetization.

What I love most about my role

What I love most about my role is collaborating with growing companies over time, witnessing their scale-up journey, and realizing their full growth potential by introducing forward-thinking technology into the marketplace. I observe numerous companies, particularly in the biotech industry, developing products for patients and striving to provide essential tools to those who need them the most.

Additionally, I am constantly learning about new technologies even before they become publicly available. I have the opportunity to grasp and appreciate how these advancements will significantly impact society.

Moreover, I am privileged to support women in business. We know that women founders encounter challenges in securing capital funding, and I am fortunate to work with many female entrepreneurs who are developing transformative technologies. It's rewarding to witness their success and see their businesses thrive!

How I define success

I would describe success as witnessing our clients achieve big wins and knowing that we contributed in a small part to their success. To provide context, often when we initially engage with a client, they might be at an early stage with only around ten employees. However, as time progresses, we observe them expanding their team to 100 employees and successfully bringing their product to market. They may even acquire another company, demonstrating substantial growth and success. Through nurturing these enduring relationships built on trust, we closely follow their journey, observing their pivots and future endeavors. When we witness their wins, we feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that our contributions made an impact.

The best piece of business advice I ever received was

It might sound unconventional, but the best piece of business advice I've received is to wear bright colors, so you'll stand out more. You shouldn't be afraid to be bold, especially in the legal field, where traditionally people tend to wear darker colors.

What would I tell my younger self

I think especially in today's culture, there's this expectation to finish high school, go to college, and have your life all mapped out. People often expect you to choose a major at eighteen and have everything planned. Looking back, I wish I knew that life would throw curveballs. It's okay if your journey isn't a straight path. It's okay not to have all the answers and to learn as you go. Your first job or field doesn't have to define your entire career. Use those experiences to learn and guide your next steps.

What 2B Bolder mean to me

To me, being bolder means making an impact. I believe in aiding the development of the next generation of women leaders. There will always be women who could benefit from mentorship, advice, or assistance with workplace issues. I'm always seeking opportunities where I can pay it forward. It's important because it inspires those women to do the same. I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve had a handful of mentors who shaped the course of my career, and I’m excited that a community such as 2B Bolder exists that allows us to support and encourage one another.

Years of Experience

I recommend you focus on developing these 3 skills to succeed in a role like mine

I believe in active listening. As a lawyer, it's crucial to genuinely listen to my clients and understand their problems so I can provide effective help. Additionally, I must excel in communication because I work with diverse clients and need to explain various complex legal concepts to them in a digestible format. As a woman in a male-dominated field, confidence in my abilities is also essential. In general, I must develop a thick skin and not let minor issues or things beyond my control bother me. I need to discern what warrants a reaction and what isn't worth attention.