Finnegan recently welcomed back Nishla Keiser and Malcolm Meeks to its Boston and Washington, DC offices respectively. This is Nishla’s second stint with Finnegan and Meeks’ third time with the firm.
"I had kept in touch with a number of Finnegan colleagues, and learned that the firm is thinking more entrepreneurially about developing its practices, including adding or expanding some 'IP-adjacent' work areas," Nishla told Law360 Pulse. "This seemed like a great chance to help build that part of the practice, while getting to reconnect with many people that I really enjoyed working with previously."
Nishla’s interest in IP law came about when she worked with a graduate school advisor who was involved in starting several biotech companies. She said they inspired her to also value protecting and generating intellectual property.
"I didn't love lab work, but I did enjoy thinking and writing about science, as well as problem-solving," she said. "Intellectual property seemed like a natural fit with my skills and interest. I particularly like being able to learn about the newest technologies and help multiple companies develop IP strategies that bring value to their businesses."
Malcolm will focus his practice on intellectual property litigation related to telecommunications, semiconductor, aerospace, cybersecurity and other related industries and products. In the last decade, he has been working abroad in a variety of roles.
Malcolm told Law360 Pulse that he considered Finnegan to be "home" since he started his career with the firm and wanted to rejoin to work with "the best IP firm in the world, with the most skilled IP attorneys on the planet.”
“I have maintained productive contacts with the firm over the years. I have hired Finnegan in my in-house roles, and we've enjoyed success together,” he said.
"As attorneys, we must solve problems but also anticipate issues, so understanding the challenges of litigation aids in drafting agreements, for example," he said. "In addition, working in-house, I developed an understanding of how all aspects of IP interacts with and impacts the overall business for technology companies. I really enjoyed this interplay, and I look forward to putting it to use for clients in my new role at Finnegan."
