Maine Cernota & Rardin Staff
Debra “Debbie” Stengel
Debbie is our Business Manager and Chief Paralegal. She is fully responsible for all domestic and international operation protocols, daily firm operations, foreign agent relations, staff management and all paralegal functions. She brings 20 years of prior business and management experience to the firm. She is highly regarded as a skilled professional both within the firm and among our clients. She conducts primary docket control for the firm, coordinates work load, monitors quality, and regulates and develops new operating procedures for uniformity and efficiency. Debbie works very closely with all our attorneys, paralegal staff, and foreign agents, supporting them in all aspects of US and International patent, trademark and copyright matters. She prepares periodic full docket reviews, and domestic and foreign filing budgets for clients, and addresses related questions. Debbie is a master troubleshooter for U.S. patent office problems, and coordinates foreign filing procedures and resolves problems with our agents. She prepares periodic full docket reviews for clients, and is generally involved in every aspect of our case management. Debbie is a major contributor to our production goals. She is the go-to person for clients and staff for assistance with pre-grant patent and trademark questions, International pre and post grant matters, and copyright issues. She is also responsible for staff training and quality control functions, and supports the accounting function.
She can be contacted at dstengel@mcr-ip.com or by phone 603-886-6100, x7001.
Jacqueline”Jackie” Judkins
Jackie is a skilled Patent and Trademark Paralegal, providing direct support to Attorneys Cernota and Rardin. She joined the firm in 2005, beginning as receptionist, and has through diligence and personal commitment developed her knowledge and skill set to attain her present position. She works closely with Debbie and the full team to insure all client matters are attended to in a timely and professional manner. She assists in preparation and executes patent and trademark filings of all types, typically electronically. Jackie is also our lead trademark paralegal, supporting and working closely with Attorney Cernota, who heads our trademark practice, handling both federal registrations and trademark matters, and state trademark and trade name cases.
She can be contacted at jjudkins@mcr-ip.com or by phone 603-886-6100, x7005.
Karen Labrie
Karen is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 20 years of accounting experience, and has served the firm since it’s beginning in 1993. She functions as chief financial officer and advisor to the management team, handles all of the firm’s financial accounts and banking, and provides essential support with our financial accounts for larger clients and foreign agents.
She can be contacted at klabrie@mcr-ip.com or by phone 603-886-6100.
Michelle Parkhurst
Michelle found us in 2011. She brings a cheery presence to her role as Administrative Assistant, providing vital back office support to the firm. She offers a bright smile and a friendly hello to everyone that calls or comes through the door, staff and visitor alike. She works closely with Karen Labrie, our Chief Financial Officer and with Debbie and Attorney Maine with a myriad of administrative matters. She manages our monthly billing, payroll, and collections activities, and processes and pays vendor invoices. Michelle also provides primary support in the area of marketing and client development. She maintains our database of friends and prospects of the firm and helps create and distribute promotional materials about the firm and information that teaches the process of patents & trademarks, and publishes our newsletter as well. In addition, she provides back up for Sharon at the front desk and on the phones and assists with special projects when needed.
She can be contacted at mparkhurst@mcr-ip.com or by phone 603-886-6100 x7004.
Sharon Belliveau
Sharon is the newest member of the staff joining us in 2012 in the dual role of Paralegal Assistant and Receptionist. As a member of the paralegal team working under the supervision of Debbie and Jackie, she will contribute to the very significant task of maintaining our docket and case files, communicating with clients, and insuring that legal deadlines are met. She participates in the firm-wide continuous training in the many rules and regulations affecting our practice, corresponds with the patent office, and interacts with staff and clients where appropriate. She maintains equipment inventory, the file room, archives, office supplies, and helps with special projects.
She can be contacted at sbelliveau@mcr-ip.com by phone 603-886-6100 x7010.
