A Day with the Nike Office of the General Counsel

Lewis & Clark Law School students were invited to attend the Third Annual Nike Speaker Series, held at Nike’s global headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The event was structured in two major sessions: “Advising the Corporation” and “Career Pathways,” each offering a different perspective into the work and evolution of Nike’s legal professionals.

The first session featured several attorneys from Nike’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), who discussed how they advise the corporation on a wide range of legal matters. Each speaker represented a unique legal discipline, offering students a multifaceted understanding of the ways in which legal services support Nike’s global operations.

Casey Richter, from the Customs & Trade team, spoke about navigating international trade regulations and ensuring compliance with customs laws around the world. Brian Morrison covered patents, explaining how intellectual property is not just protected but leveraged to maintain Nike’s competitive edge. Natalie Lu provided insight into trademarks, a critical area for a brand of Nike’s scale, and Emily Rake discussed the legal dimensions of digital commerce, where she focuses on emerging issues in e-commerce and the tech-driven retail space.

Students also gained a greater appreciation for how a company like Nike utilizes in-house and outside counsel to address complex legal challenges and maintain regulatory compliance. They were introduced to the collaborative role legal departments play in guiding corporate strategy.

The second session of the day was a panel discussion titled “Career Pathways,” where OGC staff shared their professional journeys from law school to Nike.

Panelists included Frances Hadfield (Customs & Trade), Sam Aintablian (Sports Marketing), Colleen Kenny (IP Transactions), and Jenny Huizinga (Strategy & Operations). Each attorney traced the unique steps of their career trajectory, highlighting the varied and often non-linear paths that led them to their current roles.

A recurring theme among the panelists was the value of gaining diverse legal experiences early in one’s career. Whether through firm work, government service, or in-house counsel positions, panelists emphasized that the breadth of exposure to different legal challenges had prepared them for the multifaceted environment of corporate law at Nike. The discussion also provided valuable advice about being open to unexpected opportunities and the importance of building relationships throughout one’s career.

Throughout the afternoon, students had the chance to engage with Nike attorneys, ask questions about their experiences and perspective, and gain valuable insight from Nike’s legal team regarding the journey from being a law student to starting a legal career.

The event served as both an educational experience and a professional networking opportunity, reinforcing the value of practical engagement outside the classroom. As Lewis & Clark Law School continues to connect students with leaders in the field, events like the Nike Speaker Series offer a meaningful glimpse into what lies ahead after graduation, and how varied, dynamic, and rewarding a legal career can be.