In this episode of Penn State Dickinson Law's "Profiles in Leadership Series," Dean Danielle Conway and I had the pleasure of speaking with Nichole Velasquez, Fellows Program Director at Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), and Joel Samuels, a key member of Harness IP's litigation team. We discussed the transformative role of the LCLD Fellows Program in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Nichole and Joel shared insights into the program's evolution and its significant impact on mid-career attorneys. Leadership adaptation was another focal point, exploring how effective leadership in law requires continual learning and responsiveness to change. We reflected on the essence of leadership itself—what it means to lead in challenging times and how to foster environments that encourage growth and innovation. We also considered the advice they would give to their younger selves. This conversation was not just enlightening but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to shaping a more inclusive future in law. https://lnkd.in/geDJxAn7

We were honored to host former Chief Judge Paul R. Michel at Penn State Dickinson Law. Judge Michel, who led the nation's patent court, has continued to champion innovation and intellectual property rights vigorously after his retirement. His current roles include leading initiatives such as the Council for Innovation Promotion and the United States Intellectual Property Alliance - USIPA (USIPA), as well as chairing the advisory board for the IP and Innovation Initiative at our law school. The visit featured a series of engaging events. Dean Danielle Conway welcomed Judge Michel with a luncheon, followed by meetings with Dickinson College President Judge John Jones and General Counsel Vincent Champion, arranged with the help of Dickinson College alum Mike Schaengold. A highlight of the day was a fireside chat on Judge Michel's career, his thoughts on leadership, and current challenges in intellectual property law, co-moderated by Dean Conway and myself. The day concluded with a reception where Judge Michel interacted with students, faculty, and guests, leaving a lasting impression on our community with his wisdom and approachability. Thank you the all those who helped behind the scenes to make Judge Michel's visit a success!

Great start to my time in New York recording another episode of Practising Law Institute (PLI)'s new series, "Global IP Spotlight," this time with the senior leadership team from the International Trademark Association (INTA). The series aims to showcase key governmental and non-governmental IP organizations around the world. Each episode exclusively features one organization. Enjoyed my conversation with INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo, President-Elect Elisabeth Stewart Bradley, Chief Advocacy Officer Heather Steinmeyer, and INTA Political Action Committee Chair Erin Hennessy. Topics included: - AI implications for trademark and other IP rights; - Quebec Bill 96; - The growing impact of health and environmental regulations on IP rights; - Combatting the sale of counterfeits through online marketplaces. - Work underway to develop INTA’s 2026-29 Strategic Plan. Thanks to PLI's team, including Kenneth Min and Elizabeth Harris, for the magic that happens behind the camera. Those interested can catch an earlier episode featuring the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) featuring Stanley Lai, SC Sandy Widjaja and Adriana Uson. (Link here: https://www.pli.edu/programs/intellectual-property-and-international-dispute-resolution?t=ondemand) Penn State Dickinson Law