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Careers: Law/combining law and science

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Expert: - 8/4/2008


Question
Hello A. Hall,

I am a biochemist with basic research/teaching experience in academia and have a M.S degree.  My fiancee is a partner at a small long-established law firm.
Is there any type of degree I could acquire that would use my science degree and background in a law practice?  This practice has no patent lawyers but we live in the Research Triangle Park area which is pharmaceutical industry rich.
What, in your opinion, are some good options?
Thanks


Answer
The natural fit for someone of your qualifications would be a patent attorney. Becoming a patent attorney requires graduating from law school, passing the bar exam in your state, and passing the patent bar. Only attorneys who pass the patent bar can legally draft (prosecute) patents.

The growth in the biotech industry and related industries has recently increased the need for patent attorneys. For now, this need provides better job prospects for attorneys with the right qualifications.

Another option for your practice would be toxic tort law. In this field, you would be involved in litigation related to the harm people have suffered from toxic substances (in water, in the air, etc.).  

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A. Hall

Expertise

As a licensed MN lawyer, I can answer questions about the law job search during law school, law volunteering, law internships, summer associate jobs, job searching as an attorney (lateral moves), and law practice as an attorney.

Experience

Aaron Hall is a licensed Minnesota attorney, admitted to practice law in Minnesota state courts and the U.S. Federal District Court in Minnesota. Aaron Hall's experience includes service at the law firms of Fredrikson & Byron, Morrison Fenske & Sund, Foley & Mansfield, and Henningson & Snoxell. Aaron Hall also served as a judicial extern under the Honorable Paul A. Magnuson, United States District Court Judge, and as an adjunct professor at Concordia University teaching Introduction to Business Law, Business Law for Marketing Professionals, and Internet Law for Marketing Professionals courses.

Organizations
American Bar Association, Minnesota Bar Association, Hennepin County Bar Association, Minnesota Small Business

Publications
Associated Press, Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, Duluth News Tribune, William Mitchell Law Review

Education/Credentials
Aaron was awarded his Juris Doctor degree cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law, where he served on the William Mitchell Law Review. He was recognized on the Deans List for outstanding academics and received the CALI Awards of Excellence in Corporations and Alternative Dispute Resolutions courses. Aaron served as President of the Business Law Society and coordinated the establishment of the Corporate Appellate Law Moot Court. He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Management and Innovation summa cum laude from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Awards and Honors
Ten Outstanding Minnesotans, Minnesota Jaycees

Current
Currently, Aaron practices as a corporate lawyer, small business lawyer, employment lawyer, tax lawyer, intellectual property lawyer,copyright lawyer, trademark lawyer, real estate lawyer, litigation lawyer, wills preparation lawyer, nonprofit lawyer, family and divorce lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, personal injury accident lawyer, technology lawyer, and bankruptcy lawyer.

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