In this episode of That IP Podcast, host Harry Brooker sits down with Mike Jakes, long-time partner at Finnegan and one of the leading figures in patent litigation and appeals, to walk through a 37-year career that started in engineering and evolved into high-stakes IP work. Mike explains how his early days as an electrical engineer at Westinghouse and night-school computer science degree at Johns Hopkins shaped the way he thinks about technology, how a single lunch with legendary patent lawyer Don Dunner nudged him toward law school at Georgetown, and why clerking for Judge Giles Rich at the Federal Circuit was a defining experience. He reflects on joining Finnegan in 1988 and never leaving, what it was like practicing before email and online research, and how the mechanics of lawyering have changed while the fundamentals of advocacy and judgment have stayed the same. Mike talks about learning from giants of the profession, the value of honest feedback, how to seek and use mentorship, and why good writing and constant reading still sit at the heart of great lawyering. He shares his thoughts on burnout, long-term career sustainability, building habits that actually matter, the realities of winning and losing in court, and even his trial ritual of pizza and My Cousin Vinny. It’s a grounded, thoughtful conversation about building a long career in patents, staying curious, and figuring things out as you go.

In this episode of That IP Podcast, host Harry Brooker sits down with Brett Schuman, Co-Chair of IP at Goodwin, to trace his journey from the University of Michigan and Harvard Law to nearly three decades in high-stakes IP litigation. Brett shares how an internship at a public defender service in Washington DC first drew him toward law, what it was really like walking into Harvard Law and facing Arthur Miller’s famously intense Socratic civil procedure class, and why clerking for the New Jersey Supreme Court became a foundational experience that shaped the litigator he is today. He reflects on the rise and fall of Brobeck during the dot-com era, his transition to Morgan Lewis, and his early exposure to tech and IP work that ultimately defined his career. Brett speaks candidly about the gap between what law school teaches and what clients actually need, how he thinks about sacrifice and work–life balance, staying engaged in the job after 28 years, and handling the emotional side of losing a trial and using those moments to improve. He also talks about the importance of mentorship, how to navigate difficult periods in your career, and the mindset required to keep developing long after you’ve “made it.” This conversation is packed with practical career advice, honest stories from inside BigLaw, and real insight into what it takes to build and sustain a successful career at the top of the IP litigation world.

In this episode, Harry Brooker sits down with Ian Ballon, one of the foremost litigators in intellectual property, internet law, and data privacy. Ian shares his journey from studying economics to becoming a trusted advisor in Silicon Valley, explains how big data has transformed litigation strategy, and reflects on the importance of mentorship, perspective, and lifelong learning in law. From building expertise and writing one of the first internet law treatises, to counseling clients through high-stakes cases, Ian’s story is filled with practical lessons for lawyers and business leaders alike. Whether you’re an attorney navigating your career, a leader working with legal teams, or just fascinated by how law keeps pace with technology, this conversation offers insights you can take with you.

In this episode Harry Brooker sits down with Ashok Ramani for a candid, practical tour of life as an IP trial lawyer. From starting in engineering classes at UC Berkeley to Harvard Law, a federal district court clerkship in DC, early trial reps at a boutique, and now leading a trial-first IP practice at Davis Polk, Ashok shares what actually moves the needle: getting reps, thinking fast, and mentoring relentlessly. We dig into staying calm under pressure (his exercise + meditation routine), imposter syndrome (everyone has it), the rise of AI (and what it means for junior work and training), and why juries are increasingly comfortable with big numbers in patent cases. If you’re an associate eyeing the courtroom—or a GC navigating high-stakes IP—this episode is equal parts playbook and perspective.

In this episode, Harry Brooker sits down with Scott Evans, a seasoned IP lawyer who has navigated everything from high-stakes trials to leading brand protection at Yahoo and Adobe, and now shaping the U.S. presence of Stobbs. Scott shares his unconventional journey from the stage to the courtroom, his candid take on big law versus in-house life, and why risk taking is essential for innovation. We dive into work life balance, mentorship, the future of law in the age of AI, and building a career rooted in trust and resilience. Whether you’re a junior lawyer, a partner, or simply curious about how legal careers really evolve, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and honest insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Harry Brooker sits down with Scott Frank, who recently retired after nearly 30 years leading intellectual property at AT&T, to explore his journey from engineer to patent attorney to corporate leader. Scott shares candid insights on how he pivoted careers, why soft skills often matter more than technical expertise, the importance of building genuine relationships in a digital world, and how to “create your own luck” through service and community. He also reflects on what has changed most in the legal landscape since the 1990s, what kept him at AT&T for three decades, and what’s next as he devotes his time to advancing global IP awareness and education. Packed with practical lessons and inspiring stories, this conversation is a must-listen for lawyers, business leaders, and anyone navigating their own career path.

In this episode, Harry Brooker sits down with Rachel Lovejoy, former Chief IP Counsel at SpaceX, to explore her extraordinary career journey — from Harvard Law, to 11 years at IBM, to helping guide one of the most innovative companies on earth through complex intellectual property challenges. Rachel opens up about what it takes to thrive in high-pressure environments, the lessons she learned from the dot-com boom and bust, and how six months of unemployment early in her career shaped her perspective on resilience and networking. She shares stories from inside SpaceX & IBM. This conversation is packed with career advice, leadership lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights into life at the intersection of law, technology, and space exploration.