People

Beck & Thomas offers a team of legal professionals dedicated to excellence in all aspects of intellectual property law. Combining technical backgrounds with extensive legal training and experience, we strive to serve our clients with sound judgment and skilled execution.

Attorneys

Paul A. Beck
Director and Shareholder
412-343-9700

Full Bio

“Our aim is to produce excellent work in a field that we respect. We find the complexities of intellectual property for businesses challenging and working together on solutions with business owners and/or their attorneys rewarding. We enjoy our work and the relationships we build with our clients.” – Paul A. Beck

Lawyers refer their clients to Paul for intellectual property law because of his experience and his understanding of the needs of businesses. Paul helps clients to understand and weigh the advantages and limitations of each available option under intellectual property law.

Paul has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest quality rating (AV) AV Peer Review Rated; he’s listed in: The Best Lawyers in America, 1997 to Present and Chambers USA’s America’s Leading Lawyers for Business; and was chosen by his peers as one of Pennsylvania’s “Super Lawyers”. More…

John C. Thomas III
Director and Shareholder
412-343-9700

Full Bio

“One of our most important jobs is to keep business owners out of conflict. We encourage our clients to call us and talk over new ideas and plans before they make a misstep that could be costly.” – John C. Thomas III

John works closely with business owners to understand their concerns about protecting their major intellectual property assets. He has counseled national and international companies, both established and startup companies, on their issues with a broad range of intellectual property law.

John is experienced in intellectual property prosecution, litigation and counseling. More…

Of Counsel

Floyd B. Carothers
Of Counsel
Full Bio

Floyd has experience in patents, trademarks, copyrights, litigation and licensing. He has represented businesses large and small, domestic and foreign, established and startup companies. More…

Legal Assistants

Marcia A. Johnston

Marcia joined our firm in 2004 as a Legal Assistant. She has an extensive business background in organizing and tracking documents, reports and records. She supervises all administrative and docketing issues for the firm and clients. Marcia also coordinates all firm events.

Education: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, B.B.A. Accounting; University of Pittsburgh, Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, MBA Finance

Amy J. Frizzell

Amy joined our firm in 2006 as a Legal Assistant. Amy coordinates office procedures, prepares and tracks documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and compiles docketing. She supervises billing procedures, client communication and acts as a Legal Administrator for the Firm.

Education: Pennsylvania State University, The Behrend College. B.A. Communications and Media Studies

Kathryn M. Cooper

Katie joined our firm in 2007 as a Law Clerk. She graduated from Duquesne University School of Law in June 2008.

Education: Carnegie Mellon University, B.S. Chemistry; Duquesne University School of Law, J.D.

Kristin E. Serafin

Kristin joined our firm in 2008 as a Legal Assistant. Kristin helps to coordinate office procedures, prepares and tracks documents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and compiles docketing. She handles client communication and acts as a Legal Administrator for the Firm.

Education: Duquesne University, B.S./B.A. Marketing