Biography
Ms. Brendy Lynn Belony is the Administrative Manager at KDW Firm PLLC. She has over 20 years of patent prosecution and management experience and focuses on building inclusive teams, optimizing productivity, training, mentoring, advocacy and implementing best practices.
Over the years, Ms. Belony held various roles at several law firms. During her tenure as Paralegal Supervisor and Training Coordinator at Perkins Coie LLP, she established and managed the Patent Prosecution Paralegal Assistant Academy. The program focused on cultivating talent from within through streamlined training of all patent prosecution paralegal assistants. Upon completion of the program, participants pursued roles as patent prosecution paralegals within the firm.
Ms. Belony attended the City University of New York (CUNY) at Queens College where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2000 and her Master of Arts in Urban Studies in 2003. Ms. Belony is committed to supporting educational programs and institutions. She was a voting member of her district’s inaugural Community Education Council (CEC) (2004-2005), which is New York City’s education policy advisory body. The council evaluates district specific educational programs, approves zoning, and holds public hearings. Ms. Belony was also a member of the School Leadership Team for the Queens High School of Teaching in New York City from 2009-2013 and a volunteer mentor with the Fresh Air Fund from 2014-2016.
In 2019, Ms. Belony joined the International Practice Management Association (IPMA) and currently co-chairs the Emerging Trends Committee and the Atlantic Chapter.
Ms. Belony is the proud mother of an adult son and currently resides in Arlington, Virginia. She spends her free time reading, exercising, working on puzzles, and learning to play the piano.
Statement
I am a firm believer that comprehensive education and mentoring sets the stage for a successful career. In my day-to-day work, I facilitate mentoring, training and professional development of my paraprofessionals while working with other firm leaders to ensure the appropriate resources are allocated for maximum productivity and outstanding client service. I see the results of those efforts in the work product, engagement, and overall success of the paraprofessional team. The opportunity to work with the ABA to ensure that paralegals acquire the knowledge and skills in preparation for their careers is a perfect extension of my career. It is my pleasure to serve as the IPMA’s representative to the Approval Commission.