Where do you work?
I am currently an associate in the Intellectual Property Department at Cozen O’Connor. My practice focuses on representing both innovator (patent-owning) and generic pharmaceutical companies in complex pharmaceutical patent litigation.
How did you get your job?
I found my job through the Patent Law Interview Program, which is hosted each year by Loyola. This is an exceptional program that brings together students and top intellectual property law firms from all over the country. I took part in this program the summer before my third year and was thrilled to receive several offers. I decided to accept an offer to join Cozen O’Connor as an associate following graduation, as well as their offer to work there part time as a law clerk during my third year of law school.
Why Loyola?
I would recommend Loyola first and foremost because it is a law school that cares deeply about its students. At Loyola you’re not simply a face in the crowd—the professors make an effort to get to know you and your personal and professional goals. And this relationship continues long after you have graduated. Loyola maintains a strong relationship with its alumni and this is a key resource for many students
From an academic standpoint, Loyola was the perfect choice for me because it offered a variety of IP law classes, including those directed to patent law. Prior to coming to law school, I received my PhD in immunology. When I chose to return to school I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in patent law. Therefore, it was important to me to find a school with a strong patent program; and Loyola was that school. As a 1L at Loyola, students have the unique opportunity to hone their legal writing skills in a specialized intellectual property writing section, which focuses on topics in IP law. Additionally, 1Ls are given the chance to take a seminar on the impact of patent rights on global access to medicine. During 2L and 3L years, Loyola offers numerous specialized IP courses such as IP advocacy, IP legal research, Patent Law Litigation, Patent Prosecution, Advanced Copyright Law, and an IP survey course concerning patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
In addition to course work, Loyola also offers extracurricular activities with an IP specific-focus. For example, Loyola students have the opportunity to take part in moot court competitions with IP-dedicated problems. Further, each spring Loyola jointly sponsors and hosts the Chicago IP Colloquium. This program brings nationally renowned IP scholars to Chicago to discuss their current research.
Given the student-friendly atmosphere, the diversity of IP law classes, and the IP-focused extracurricular opportunities, Loyola provides the perfect environment to begin a career in intellectual property law.
Did you have a favorite class in law school?
One of my favorite classes in law school was Bioethics and the Law. Once a week a small group of students would meet to discuss controversial and cutting edge bioethics topics including reproductive rights, end-of-life issues, and genetic technology. The class provided an opportunity to observe the way in which medicine and/or science interacts with the law.
What is your favorite Loyola law school memory?
One of my favorite experiences in law school was taking part in the Giles Sutherland Rich Moot Court Competition. Although this was a challenging and time-consuming competition, it was a rewarding experience. Our coaches, former Loyola alumni, really pushed us to excel and take ownership of the process. Not only did I gain confidence in my ability to speak to the “court” on issues related to patent law, but I also developed a bond with my teammates that will continue well past our time at Loyola.
Originally posted on 6/2/14 on the Law School Admissions blog.