Alumni Reflections

Intellectual Property

Zachary Wegmann (’13) was a chemical engineer before he arrived at Saint Louis University School of Law. Shortly after starting his career as an IP attorney, he responded to an opportunity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Wegmann took on the challenge and spent several years in Riyadh building IP awareness and establishing IP departments for technology companies in the Middle East. Now back in America, Wegmann works on this mission as a Senior Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright. His practice focuses on the acquisition, licensing, commercialization, and enforcement of IP rights for international businesses.

Whatwasyourexperiencelikeat SLULAW?

WEGMANN: I got a comprehensive background in SLU’s IP classes. The professors were experienced practitioners and they taught us the practical aspects. You can lecture about a lot of theory, but they taught us things we were going to use on our first day out of law school.

Whatchallengesdidyouseein yourday-to-dayinSaudiArabia?

WEGMANN: The knowledge of IP in the region is still developing. Every conversation starts with a general explanation of IP rights and how IP can help established and emerging businesses. You must explain in very simplistic terms the risks and why it’s important to establish IP rights early in the technology development lifecycle.

Whatadvicedoyouhavefor students?

WEGMANN: Be bold. Don’t be afraid to take risks early in your career. You get great professional and personal experiences going off the beaten path. Then, you can always come back and have a niche.

Each year, the Intellectual Property law concentration welcomes a new class of students from different walks of life. Like many aspects of Saint Louis University School of Law, the IP concentration benefits from the diverse backgrounds and rich ideas the students bring to their law school experience. Although there are many alumni who have specialized in IP over the years, 151 graduates of the concentration, the first earner graduated in 2011, the SLU LAW Brief was able to capture four interviews with SLU LAW alumni. These professionals showcase their expertise in the field and reflect on their time in law school as well as their additional skillsets from past careers and education.

Rohini Roy (’14) is an Entertainment Law attorney for Lewis Brisbois in Illinois. Before law school, she graduated with a Sociology degree and minored in English. Her interest in the entertainment sphere translated to pursuing her J.D. within the world of Intellectual Property. Roy’s practice allows her to work with various artists and creatives both in the Midwest and coastal cities like Los Angeles, New York and Miami.

Whatisitlikeworkingwithinthe entertainmentsideoflaw?

ROY: We had a case that dealt with a licensing agreement gone wrong about a video game featuring in a film. The issue with IP and copyright is that it’s not as black-and-white as other fields. The law is still catching up when it comes to technology. This gives room for the ability to make creative arguments.

Whatgoalsdoyouhave foryourcareer?

ROY: I am now a partner at Lewis Brisbois, which is very exciting. I think it’s the idea of bringing IP opportunities to a region like St. Louis. We have IP work, but it is still not to the extent of the coast. People who are artists and creators here should have the same legal access as others.

Whatadvicedoyouhavefor students?

ROY: For first years, attend writing seminars! The IP faculty has a great deal of knowledge that you can take with you. For recent graduates, don’t be discouraged about the region you are looking for work in. IP Law does not only reside in law firms. Look for opportunities where you are, and if you can’t find them, don’t be afraid to create them!

Allison Krepel (’13) was formally educated in biomedical engineering. She is now a shareholder at Polsinelli and has taken on becoming a mentor herself. Some of the associates she trains are a part of the SLU LAW community as well. As an attorney, Krepel works on the prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications over an interesting variety of areas, such a medical devices, biomaterials and nuclear medicine.

Whatdidyouenjoyaboutyour timeatSLULAW?

Krepel: When I got to law school, I knew I wanted to work in a highly specified area. I took pretty much every IP class available taught by both SLU faculty and adjunct faculty, which was a huge benefit. In classes taught by a practicing attorney, they were able to give insight based on a problem they may have seen earlier that day. The IP concentration and advice of Professor Liebesman were also very valuable.

Whatisadayinyour positionlike?

Krepel: My range covers medical devices that might be implanted in your body, laser treatments and some

Victor Smith is a 2019 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Previously, Smith was an engineer and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electric and Electronics Engineering from Southern Illinois University in 1991. In May of 2021, Smith established his own law firm, Victor Smith, Attorney at Law,

LLC, in St. Louis, Missouri. As an experienced business owner himself, Smith assists upcoming businesses establish themselves. His firm focuses on several areas of the law, including Intellectual Property.

Whatdidyoudobeforeyou pursuedlaw?

SMITH: I was an engineer for many, many years. After both of my children graduated from high school, I decided to pursue a new career in law. pharmaceuticals, so my day-to-day is very different. I have a broad range of clients, so I’m always applying what I learned in engineering school and law school.

Yourunyourownfirmnow,what isyourrolethere?

SMITH: I have a general practice where I get to include IP, but I also have a variety of other different assignments.

Whatadvicedoyouhave forstudents?

Krepel: Reach out to current attorneys to learn about what the actual practice of law looks like in their particular area. Get hands-on experience when you can. The classroom is important, but it’s so different than my work day.