Who says that law and science cannot mix? As engineers, scientists, and researchers create products and develop processes at obscenely quick rates, the necessity to protect intellectual property is at an all-time high. For those interested in the laws governing scientific development, the Stevens Alumni Association hosted a Pre-Law panel this past Thursday, offering students the opportunity to listen to Stevens graduates who took the path less traveled into the field of law.
Michael Smullen, Executive Director of the Stevens Alumni Association, welcomed and introduced the panelists in attendance. In attendance included Allan Fanucci (’79), John Frega (’07), Michael Friscia (’86), Cameryn Hinton (’09), and Paul Purwin (’72). The speakers’ majors ranged from Mechanical Engineering to Business and Technology, yet all of them shared one common feature: a law degree.
Schulz posed a number of questions to the speakers on topics ranging from job opportunities to managing risky decisions. The panelists did seem to converge on the consensus that intellectual property is one area of law that has a plethora of opportunities. Allan, a partner in the firm of Winston & Strawn LLP, said, “I got into patent law because I went into the wrong room in law school. Now, many years later, I’ve gone through legal processing for over 15,000 patents.”
Hinton, who works in the Office of the Attorney General, wanted to take the patent bar exam but did not have the engineering background to do so. However, she said “Law is tough, but you can do it if you have the drive. Don’t let the market deter you.”
The panelists discussed certain skills that individuals should try to master if they decide to pursue law. Frega encouraged prioritizing: “Technology is the best and worst thing since there will be weeks where everything has a deadline. It’s really knowing how to identify what your tasks are and managing your time.” Purwin also mentioned the importance of networking. “You have to have the distinct ability of distinguishing yourself and your unique capabilities. Learn how to reach out to relatives and acquaintances…jobs come around in many ways.”
Before the program moved to the Babbio Atrium for a reception, Joe Garvey (’71), who serves on the Stevens Alumni Board of Trustees, spoke about his experiences as a trial lawyer. He had always wanted to be a patent lawyer, but his experiences helped him realize that his passion was in litigation. He was one of the key individuals who made the event possible for Stevens undergraduates, and was delighted to see that there are students who are going to pursue a career in law.
Students, the panelists, and alumni gathered in the Babbio Atrium to further discuss opportunities Stevens students have in law, regardless of the school’s reputation as an engineering and business school. In attendance was Ms. Hanadee Neddie Ramadan, the Assistant Director for the Stevens Alumni Association. When asked about the event, she replied, “This is not the first panel that we’ve held…It all started when the College of Arts and Letters started offering the Pre-law and Public Policy minor to students. It helps show students what opportunities are available outside the science, engineering, and business disciplines.”
Ms. Ramadan wanted to make sure that students know that the Pre-law and Public Policy minor is available to anyone who is interested, regardless if they want to pursue law. “These courses can benefit students who want to know more about public policy, such as laws, regulations, and ordinances.” This minor can also add another dimension for engineers, particularly civil, mechanical, and green engineering by exploring governmental systems and public policymaking.
If it were not for the Stevens Alumni Association, this event would not have been available. The association exists to promote the interests of Stevens in every way, even if it means extending into disciplines not normally associated within the Institution.
