Featured Lawyer: Roshni Patel

Roshni D. Patel
Associate
Merchant & Gould

What is your area of practice? 

There are really two answers to this question. First, I practice Intellectual Property Law at Merchant & Gould, specializing in patent law. Second, I assist inventors to achieve and monetize their goals by protecting their innovations. My degree in Electrical Engineering gives me the background to work in the electrical, software, and mechanical arts.  I am also developing my litigation skills so I can expand my ability to assist and counsel my clients.

How did you do it? 

I practiced as a design and systems engineer for several years prior to law school at an avionics company called Rockwell Collins. As an engineer, I led a team to develop a GPS system, which also required me to draft bids and proposals to customers, thoroughly and technically explaining our design approach. This experience led me to law school, and after graduation, pivoting to a practice in IP law was a natural transition. My background as an engineer allows me to fully understand my clients’ technology and their needs when providing advice.

What do you do outside of the law? 

I try to spend as much of my free time outside of the law with my family and friends. I love college football and attending as many University of Iowa games as possible. I also enjoy running and I plan to run my first marathon this fall.

Who were the people critical to your success? 

The two people most critical to my success are my parents. My parents came to the United States in the 1970s with almost nothing. My father worked a full-time job to support our family while also attending the University of Michigan to obtain his degree in Electrical Engineering. My mother knew very little English when she moved here. She quickly embraced the American culture, learning English, finding a support system within her community, and making the United States her home. My parents taught me responsibility, perseverance, diligence, and dedication—skills that have gotten me to where I am today.

Who do you want to thank? 

I want to thank my parents and my mentors I have had throughout my career as an engineer and as an attorney. I feel very fortunate to have had so many mentors who have provided me with support and guidance throughout each of my roles, first as an engineer and now as an attorney. I would also like to thank Diversity in Practice for introducing me to so many unique individuals in the Twin Cities and truly welcoming me to the community.