Overview
McKendra is an Associate at Caldwell whose practice sits at the intersection of patent prosecution, strategic IP advisory, and emerging-technology innovation. She focuses on preparing and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications across a range of sectors, including life sciences, artificial intelligence, computational systems, medical technologies, and fintech.
In addition to her prosecution work, McKendra provides support on IP litigation matters, contributing to claim charting, invalidity mapping, and strategic analysis that informs both enforcement and portfolio development. Her experience further includes assisting in M&A transactions and technology licensing deals, giving her a practical understanding of how IP assets function within broader commercial and transactional contexts.
Highlights of her role include:
- Preparation and prosecution of U.S. and international patent applications.
- Supporting IP litigation teams with claim charts, infringement analysis, and strategic positioning.
- Assisting in M&A and licensing matters through IP diligence and portfolio review.
- Providing legal research and insight on emerging technologies and their impact on the IP landscape.
- Advising startup and growth-stage clients on how to align IP strategy with business goals and innovation timelines.
Experience
Prior to joining Caldwell, McKendra served as a Law Clerk at a boutique Boston firm. She earned her J.D. from New England Law | Boston, where she was admitted to the prestigious Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Honors Program, a merit-based scholarship initiative for select law students. While enrolled, she also completed a certificate in Intellectual Property, concentrations in Small Firm Practice and Business Law, and held multiple leadership roles, including President of the Student Bar Association.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience from Luther College, where she excelled academically and as a full-time student-athlete. Her academic background in science and technology allows her to work closely with inventors, scientists, and engineers to capture complex innovations with clarity and precision.
McKendra’s entrepreneurial experience, having founded her first business at the age of 14, has profoundly shaped her approach to client service. She brings a practical appreciation for the pressures, urgency, and vision that drive early-stage companies, enabling her to deliver strategic, business-aligned counsel to founders and emerging technology clients.