Byron L. Pickard, Director, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox, 39

Job: I'm in Sterne Kessler's Litigation Practice Group. My work focuses on patent disputes, across a wide variety of technologies, in the US District Courts and at the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. A large part of my docket includes Inter Partes Reviews (IPRs) of patents before the Patent Office (USPTO).

Career highlight: Winning a preliminary injunction for a patent-owner client last year. The client was a small, but successful, startup whose market share was being eaten by a competitor product that was a copy of my client's product. Patent litigations are usually not known for having an emotional impact, but this case was different for me. It was so gratifying to bring home the win for my client and for those who will benefit from his company's innovative product.

Why this career: My father and brother are attorneys, and I can't imagine doing anything else for a living that would be as much fun. Not only do I love my work, but having the shared experience of the law with my dad and brother is priceless.

Where you grew up: Unlike many lawyers in DC, I am homegrown. I was born in the city and grew up in Alexandria.

First job: As a high school student, I worked as a maintenance man in a large apartment complex. It was a good way to take on responsibility as a teen, and I learned a lot of practical skills that still serve me well today.

Family: I am married to my college sweetheart, Cassie, and we have four terrific kids: Sophie (12), Audrey (10), Trevor (7) and Felicity (3).

Free time: In my limited free time after family and work, I try to play as much golf and tennis as possible.

10 years from now: I hope to be doing many of the same things in 10 years. Cassie and I will be parenting college and high school students while I'm managing a vibrant patent litigation practice. My life will continue to be a fun and rewarding challenge.

Favorite vacation spot: Elbow Cay, The Bahamas.

Bucket list: Play a round of golf at Pebble Beach, visit Machu Picchu and the Grand Canyon (via a motorhome with my wife and kids).

Daily habit: I cycle to and from work nearly every day.

Startling fact: When I became a partner a few years ago, my father gave me his desk, which he had practiced law on for 35 years. My mother had bought this desk for my father when he opened his own law firm. Perhaps I will have the opportunity to pass it on to one of my children.