Graduating Year: 2005
Hometown: Denton, TX
Prior Education: University of Texas at Austin, BS Mechanical Engineering 1997
What I am doing with my law degree: I practice at a small intellectual property boutique firm, Dascenzo Intellectual Property Law, P.C., which means that we help our clients protect and enforce their inventions (patents), brands (trademarks), and artistic works (copyrights). Our clients range from individual inventors and artists to startup companies to industry-leading corporations. A part of this area of law that we find particularly enjoyable is that we get to work on a wide range of technologies and products. Our current clients’ products cover such diverse areas as alternative energy, outdoor and recreational products, household products, vehicle accessories, children’s toys, and food and beverage items.
Best experience at Lewis & Clark: First year, first semester—everything was an unknown. I really had no idea what to expect going in to law school, as I did not have any family members or close friends that were attorneys. I had been out of school for about four years by then, and I really enjoyed being back in an academic environment, meeting students and professors, and building relationships that last still today. I vividly remember our first finals week, and how I was able to simply keep a positive attitude and enjoy them. My classmates seemed somewhat peeved that I kept a smile on my face the whole time and didn’t let stress get to me. Oh yea, and I played a lot of ping pong all through law school.
Why I focused on Intellectual Property Law: With a mechanical engineering background, it was a natural choice, and the reason why I chose to go to law school in the first place. To be a registered patent attorney and represent clients in front of the United State Patent and Trademark Office, you generally have to have an engineering or science undergraduate degree.
Advice for prospective and current law students: A positive attitude and outlook go a long, long way—not just in law school, but in life in general. Enjoy your three years of education. You will miss it more than you think you will when it is over.
When I am not working: I enjoy doing a number of outdoor activities like cycling skiing, hiking and golfing.