Biography
Jeffrey S. Sharp is a Partner at Marshall Gerstein whose practice focuses on intellectual property in biotechnology, chemistry, and chemical engineering. Jeff counsels clients in a wide variety of biotechnology disciplines, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and gene therapy, recombinant nucleic acid technologies, plant biotechnology, and in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostic and gene-sequencing methods. He has also gained successful outcomes in diverse chemical and chemical engineering technologies, including organic, inorganic, and metallurgical chemistry; chemical and metallurgical processing; and food and beverage chemistry. Throughout all of these matters, Jeff brings both technical depth and a practical understanding of what clients need to protect and advance their work.
Jeff served as Marshall Gerstein's Managing Partner from 2002 to 2026 — one of the longest tenures of any managing partner at a major IP firm. During that time he guided the firm through a period of profound change in both the legal industry and the innovation economy, growing the firm to more than 110 lawyers and legal professionals while preserving its independence and its exclusive commitment to intellectual property law. That commitment — rooted in a belief that a focused IP firm delivers greater value to clients — defines the firm's identity today as Chicago's largest independent IP boutique.
Jeff is recognized as a committed advocate on behalf of the firm’s clients, qualities recognized by his Martindale-Hubbell® AV Peer Review Rating™ and other recognitions. Since 2016, Jeff has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© list in the practice area of Patent Law. Most recently, Jeff was recognized as an 'IP Star' in the Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars Survey.
Outside his practice, Jeff is active in the broader legal and civic communities. He has served as a board member and chair of PilotLegis RPG, participates in the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms, and mentors emerging lawyers through the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. He also holds leadership roles in The Latin School of Chicago and Princeton University alumni organizations.
Background and Credentials
Beyond his extensive prosecution, counseling and opinion experience in these technologies, Jeff has participated in numerous inter partes patent matters including patent infringement litigation before U.S. District Courts, patent interference proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and patent opposition work before foreign patent offices.
Jeff received his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1984. He received his B.S.E. in chemical engineering from Princeton University in 1980.
Publications and Presentations
- "‘Onward’ and ‘Yes’: Lessons from Four Decades in IP," Managing Intellectual Property Magazine, October 31, 2025.
- "Managing Partner Jeff Sharp Talks Leadership, Longevity, and Law Firm Culture," Today's Managing Partner, June 20, 2025.
- "The Business Side Of Law: Jeffrey S. Sharp Of Marshall Gerstein & Borun On 5 Things You Need To Create Or Lead A Successful Law Firm," Authority Magazine, September 24, 2022 (featured quotes).
- "The Value of Intellectual Property to Investors," Keiretsu Forum Midwest Thought Leadership Series, Co-Presenter, April 16, 2021.
- "Marshall Gerstein Got Creative to Stay Connected, Managing Partner Says," The Mid-Market Report, April 8, 2021 (featured quotes).
Education
- University of Georgia School of Law (J.D.)
- Princeton University (B.S.E.)
- Chemical Engineering
Bar Admissions
Community and Professional Involvement
- Member and former Chairman, Board of Directors of PilotLegis RPG
- Trustee and former Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Latin School of Chicago
- Member, Board of Directors Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms
- Mentor in Success in Law School Mentoring Program, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD)
- The Economic Club of Chicago
- Executives' Club of Chicago
- Class Officer of his Princeton Class and member Princeton National Annual Giving Committee. Previously: Chairman of the Committee to Nominate Alumni Trustees for Princeton University and President of The Princeton Club of Chicago
- American Bar Association (ABA)