Shawn Leppo Named 2025 Trailblazer in Economic and Workforce Development by City & State Pennsylvania

Published 05/29/2025

Shawn Leppo, patent attorney and co-chair of the McNees Intellectual Property Group, has been named a 2025 Trailblazer in Economic and Workforce Development by City and State Pennsylvania. Leppo was honored at a reception held May 28 at the Independence Visitors Center in Philadelphia, alongside other leaders recognized for driving job creation and economic prosperity across Pennsylvania through their leadership, insight, and entrepreneurship. As chair of the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC)’s board of directors, Leppo leads initiatives aimed at fostering business growth, creating jobs, and attracting investment in the Harrisburg region. CREDC operates as an affiliate of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber, serving as a key advocate for the region’s economic vitality. Leppo is a veteran patent attorney who advises clients on patent protection, prosecution, enforcement, and intellectual property strategies, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. His experience spans multiple industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, textiles, and biomaterials. In addition to his legal practice, Leppo leverages his experience and relationships to uplift the central Pennsylvania community. He serves on the executive boards of the New Birth of Freedom Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the CREDC. His leadership roles reflect a commitment to fostering growth and development within the region. For more information about the award and to view the full list of honorees, visit City & State Pennsylvania’s website here.

###

McNees is a multidisciplinary law firm founded in 1935 with more than 150 attorneys representing businesses, associations, institutions, municipalities and individuals. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Radnor, State College and York, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Frederick and Towson, Md.; and Washington, D.C. McNees is a member of the ALFA International Global Legal Network.

Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

Related insights

Explore additional insights and updates that provide more context on this topic and the issues surrounding it.

See all insights

Publication

The business case for building a patent portfolio

Patents are often perceived as an expense reserved for large technology companies or pharmaceutical giants. In reality, businesses of all sizes and across all industries use patents as strategic assets to generate measurable financial returns, deter competitors, and position companies for long-term growth. Understanding why others invest in patents is the first step toward evaluating […]

Firm news

McNees welcomes 2026 summer clerk class

McNees welcomes seven law students joining the firm as clerks for the 2026 summer session. The clerks will work alongside attorneys in offices throughout Pennsylvania, offering valuable support on active matters. This year’s clerks will gain hands-on experience in legal practices, including corporate and tax, estate planning, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, and real […]

Speaking engagement

World Trade Center Harrisburg 2026 International Trade Conference

Intellectual property attorney Shawn Leppo presented at the World Trade Center Harrisburg’s 2026 International Trade Conference on May 12, 2026, in Lancaster, PA. Shawn’s presentation, “IP Primer and International IP Considerations,” focused on considerations for developing an international IP strategy, including options for extending protection outside the U.S., an overview of relevant IP treaties, and […]