The U.S government reported that nearly 30 percent of all U.S. jobs are directly or indirectly attributable to the IP-intensive industries. Intellectual property and its protection is a key driver in our economy.
Intellectual property encompasses privacy, innovation, artistic expression, and brands. When this field reaches so many industries such as patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, privacy, entertainment, and cyber law, it ultimately has a tremendous impact on the undercurrent of our society in crucial ways that escape external notice. Have you ever wondered how to become an intellectual property lawyer and impact these areas yourself?
If you want to protect intellectual property, then becoming a lawyer might be the path for you. As an attorney, you can act as advocates representing clients in court proceedings. Intellectual property (IP) attorneys also serve as advisors, counseling clients about intellectual property matters.
If this specialty interests you, look no further than Golden Gate University (GGU) School of Law.
Steps to Become an Intellectual Property Lawyer
Anyone who wants to become a lawyer must earn their Juris Doctor (JD) degree. The degree can take 2.5 years or more to complete. In order to attend law school, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution. Many schools also require the LSAT exam, although some are moving away from the practice. You can read more about GGU’s specific admissions process here.
In choosing which law school you want to attend, you must consider cost, location, and specialization. A JD degree provides foundational coursework across core areas of legal study, preparing you to practice many types of law when you become an attorney. Given the wide variety of specialties in law, as a law student, you can select classes in the focus area you aim to practice in. You can also work and intern in that field to earn knowledge and experience that make you a more desirable job candidate.
Some schools are known for specializing in areas of law, and GGU is one of them. We have our own Intellectual Property Law career track that provides unparalleled access to emerging legal issues and opportunities in a range of cutting-edge specialties. We offer electives in subjects such as blockchain law and patent law.
GGU also has powerful partnerships that are enhanced by our location in the tech capital of the world. We house the Intellectual Property Law Center which has renowned faculty and experts in the field.
Working in Intellectual Property
After graduating law school, you need to take the bar exam. Upon passing, you can then get sworn in as an attorney.
Intellectual property can prepare you for careers in areas such as trade secret protection and entertainment and sports law. Utilize the connections and the knowledge that you gained in law school to help you launch your career. If you already worked in the field before law school, having your JD will allow you to advance in your career.
GGU Hybrid JD Flex Program, a Fit for Your Career
Not only does GGU have our own IP track and a law center dedicated to the field, but we have a network to help students connect. JD Flex is a hybrid program that facilitates earning your degree in a way that suits your schedule yet achieves your goals, since you can take classes online and in-person while completing your degree in less than four years. Our alumni have gone on to work at high-profile companies such as Google, Meta, and AirBnB.
On average, there are over 30,000 law students graduating each year. As a graduate looking to get a job in the field you love, you want to give yourself a competitive edge. You want to stand out as a job candidate. When it comes to intellectual property law, Golden Gate University School of Law can help you do that. By specializing in IP law, you’re on track to becoming the leader that employers are looking for. Contact our admissions office today to get started.
