New Firm - Year One
February 2021 to February 2022 was quite a year for launching a solo law practice.
It was a fitting time to open a law firm without a physical office outside the home. A time to improve familiarity with remote communication technology. A time to explore even more ways to resolve disputes without jury trials. Or without any trials.
It was a full year of pandemic disruption in the middle of one of the deadliest events in our country’s history. So, I won’t minimize the harm by sugar-coating it or pretending it was a blessing in disguise.
But I made my practice work, the first time I’ve been a solo practitioner. I’m so grateful to my family, clients, and professional colleagues for their support and encouragement.
Here are a few of the representations that made my first year in solo practice rewarding:
Negotiated a settlement on behalf of a company accused of copyright infringement for using unlicensed software.
Advised an artificial intelligence company on intellectual property and trade secrets issues relating to providing services to multiple AI labs.
Initiated discovery proceedings in copyright infringement investigation
Advised a publisher on copyright issues in agreements with artists, authors, and distribution via another company’s smartphone application.
Represented former key employees of software startup in negotiations with company regarding future use of the company’s software.
Represented the owner of a historical footage archive in a dispute with the company retained to license the archive contents for inclusion in films.
Represented a business whose websites were suspended following a string of fraudulent DMCA takedown notices.
Brought a lawsuit on behalf of a real estate developer against its real estate agent / investor for fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.
Provided expert testimony for use in a foreign arbitration on U.S. law relating to intellectual property.
I also baked several batches of excellent profiteroles and moved my practice from a makeshift office in the house to a dedicated office shed in the backyard.
I can’t count frequent blogging among the accomplishments of my first year as a firm, but it was a great first year. I’m looking forward to year 2.
