VANESSA M. D’SOUZA, PATENT ATTORNEY
Garvey, Smith & Nehrbass, Patent Attorneys, L.L.C.
701 Poydras Street, Suite 4310
New Orleans, Louisiana 70139
Tel: 504-835-2000; Fax: 504-835-2070
email: vdsouza@patents.gs
EDUCATION
Tulane University Law School , New Orleans, LA
Juris Doctor, May 2008
L’Université Panthéon-Assas , (Sorbonne Paris II) , Paris, France
European Legal Studies, July 2007
Tulane University (Newcomb College), New Orleans, LA
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience; Minor in Business, May 2003
Benjamin Franklin High School , New Orleans, LA, May 1999
Honors/Activities:
Tulane Journal of Technology and Intellectual Property
Editor in Chief 2007-2008
Junior Member 2006-2007
Tulane Inn of Court
Student Bar Association
American Bar Association Representative
Technology and Intellectual Property Society
Tulane Real Estate Law Society
Investigator for the University Office of Judicial Affairs
Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges
Community Service Recognition
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Courts for the Eastern , Middle , and Western Districts of Louisiana
Supreme Court of Louisiana
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Garvey, Smith & Nehrbass, Patent Attorneys, L.L.C.
New Orleans, LA
October 2008 –Present
Associate
Assist with preparation and review of patent and trademark applications, office action responses, litigation pleadings, agreements, and other patent and trademark prosecution documents. Conduct prior art searches. Research patent, trademark, and copyright laws and examination manuals. Prepare letters to clients regarding upcoming deadlines, including client status letters.
June 2007 – October 2008
Law clerk
Researched and prepared legal memorandums on issues relating to patent, trademark, and copyright law. Proofread and edited patent applications. Performed various searches and verifications of patent and trademark information. Reviewed client files and assisted with drafting letters and legal documents, including appeal briefs and responses to office actions.
New Orleans Legal Assistance
New Orleans, LA
Law Clerk
Summer 2007; January – May 2008
Worked in the Family Law Unit, with a focus on Domestic Violence. Conducted client interviews. Counseled clients on legal and safety issues. Drafted legal memorandums, letters, pleadings, and other court documents. Participated in client intake case presentations. Attended court proceedings, including divorce, custody, and protective order hearings.
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA
Judicial Externship with Judge Jay Zainey
May – August 2007
Participated in status conferences, pre-trial conferences, civil jury trials, and sentencing hearings. Discussed and analyzed case issues with Judge Zainey in chambers prior to each hearing.
State of Louisiana, 4th Circuit Court of Appeal
New Orleans, LA
Judicial Externship with Judge Terri F. Love
June– August 2007
Researched and drafted opinions on civil law matters, including family law and contract law issues.
Tulane University , Office of General Counsel
New Orleans, LA
Research Assistant
May – June 2007
Assisted with research and reviewing records in preparation for a trademark application.
State of Louisiana, 24th Judicial District Court
Gretna, LA
Judicial Internship with Commissioner Ruben Bailey
July – August 2006
Performed legal research focusing on family law issues. Drafted research memorandums. Assisted in court trials.
Wilmer, Cutler, Pickering, Hale & Dorr LLC
New York, NY
Law Clerk
September – December 2005
Member of a case team assigned to handle corporate securities litigation and international arbitration. Managed case team meetings. Coordinated research and preparation of deposition materials. Performed document reviews of client and counsel files. Attended depositions. Oversaw document management.
Grossberg, Yochelson, Fox & Beyda , LLP
Washington, D.C.
Paralegal
September 2004 – July 2005
Assisted attorneys in a real estate, tax, estate planning, commercial, and family business practice. Formed corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships. Drafted and reviewed letters, amendments, deeds, sales and purchase agreements, resolutions and loan documents. Communicated and interacted with clients.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Common Senses, Inc. – AmeriCorps VISTA
Baltimore, MD
Program Director
August 2003 – August 2004
Directed a non-profit organization with a mission to unite youth with and without sensory disabilities through athletic, social, and community-based activities. Created and supervised program curriculum. Coordinated fundraising through grant-writing and networking. Promoted program sustainability.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
St. Ambrose Community Outreach Center
Baltimore, MD
Volunteer/Tutor
September 2003 – August 2004
AIDS Interfaith Residential Services
Baltimore, MD
Volunteer/Tutor
January – August 2004
MEMBERSHIPS
American Bar Association
Louisiana State Bar Association
New Orleans Bar Association
INTERESTS
Traveling, yoga, art history, running, soccer