ALUMNITESTIMONIALS
Enisa Smith
Will Breeze
My name is Enisha Smith, and I am a 2019 graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law (NCCU Law). During my time at NCCU Law, I developed an interest in patent law. Now I am pursuing an electrical engineering degree at North Carolina A&T State University and intend to sit for the USPTO patent bar in 2020.
One of the most interesting aspects of the IP field is that it is constantly evolving, and as a patent attorney, we get to be on the frontlines of the changes. Now, working as patent attorney, one of my favorite parts of my job is working with incredibly bright innovators, and seeing how their minds work and how they go about solving problems in unique ways. What I liked most about studying intellectual property law at NCCU School of Law was the passion, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the students. The professors take a sincere interest in each student’s progress and ambitions, and help to maximize the experience for each student.
After completing my first year of law school, I gained an interest in intellectual property law and reached out to Professor Afshar, Director of the NCCU IP Clinic, and Supervising Attorney for the Patent Services. I spoke with her over the phone and she encouraged me to try the patent clinic. Although I had zero experience in patent law and was very unfamiliar with this area of law, I decided to try the patent clinic for a semester. I enjoyed meeting new business owners and seeing their passion for their new, distinct inventions. But what I enjoyed most about working in the patent clinic was Professor Afshar’s patience and eagerness to teach. Her passion and love for this area of law intrigued me, and I was eager to learn everything I could about patent law. After completing my first semester within the patent clinic, I decided to continue into the second semester. I also joined the Intellectual Property Law Society and became president of the organization for my third year of law school, and my favorite extracurricular activity was competing in the Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Competition as a member of the NCCU Trademark Moot Court team. Studying intellectual property law at NCCU Law, I learned about copyright law, trademark law, and patent law through coursework and participating in numerous programs held by the NCCU Intellectual Property Law Institute. Participating in these activities has provided me with a better understanding of the importance of protecting intellectual property. Working within the patent clinic and participating in IP related activities opened up many opportunities for me. I was a recipient of the NCCU Law Patent Clinic Scholastic Award, and, during my final semester of law school, Professor Afshar connected me helped me secure a position within the NCCU Technology Transfer Department. Through my work in the Technology Transfers Dept., I was able to apply the legal analysis skills I learned in the IP Clinic. As a graduate, I have received the Thurgood Marshall Access Scholarship because of my participation in IP during law school and my ambition to have a career as a patent attorney. This scholarship directly supports my pursuit of obtaining a degree in engineering at NC A&T. In addition to all of the great opportunities I have received due to the Intellectual Property Institute and all that it has to offer, I developed a long-lasting relationship with a professor who has worked tirelessly to push the importance of intellectual property law. I have no doubt that any student interested in intellectual property law will have access to everything needed to develop the necessary training, and experience needed to succeed in this area of law. Through the IP opportunities at NCCU Law, I have to obtained extensive intellectual property experience through experiential learning, participating and community service events, and working within the patent clinic.
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During law school, I worked in the USPTOcertified Patent Clinic at NCCU School of Law where I handson practical training that most people are only able to get after graduation. As a student practitioner, I performed preliminary clearance searches, drafted patent applications, and responded to office actions under the guidance of Prof. Mimi Afshar, Patent Supervising Attorney and Director of the NCCU IP Clinic. This experiential learning gave me practical experience and training that set me apart from my peers when applying to job opportunities. I enjoyed attending variety of talks and panels with NCCU alumni who are now practicing in the intellectual property field. Not only was I able to learn more about the IP field, but I was also able to get to know them better after their presentations.
