Inspired by Arts, Third-year Student Focuses on IP Law
Born and raised in Taiwan, Judy Yen '19 grew up in a family of artists who fostered her passion for fashion, art and design — a passion that brought her to Loyola Law School, where Yen, now in her third year, is focusing on Intellectual Property law in hopes of one day protecting the rights of creative visionaries.
"I had little chance to explore my interests in the arts due to the education system in Asia which highly values science and math," Yen says. "I decided to pursue a law degree in the U.S., where Intellectual Property law is very strong and well-developed."
Yen participates in a wide range of activities and societies at Loyola, including the Intellectual Property & Cybersecurity Law Society and the Asian Pacific-American Law Students Association (APALSA).
"At the beginning of school, I felt somewhat lost, but I found support and connection on campus and beyond through APALSA and the platform to make a positive impact on campus," says Yen, who is external vice president for the group this year after serving as internal vice president last year.
Yen says she has benefited greatly from the advice of upperclassmen and alumni in the Asian community, and has been able to pass it on to others. "APALSA helped me meet many great mentors who understand the unique concerns of students like me."
In addition to serving on the boards of two student organizations, Yen finds time to be involved in Entertainment Law Review, Entertainment Moot Court, and Fashion Law Clinic, all of which have kept her busy during the school year and, she says, "taught me how to time-manage and stay organized in the midst of it all."
This summer Yen interned in Shanghai, where she gained valuable experience in international corporate law, including working on two IPO projects.
"It was a remarkable experience working at an American firm in a Chinese city," she says. "I’ve always wanted to utilize my international background in my career and Shanghai was the perfect place. It is such a vibrant city and I really enjoyed living there.”
Back at LLS, Yen's favorite learning experiences include Professor Staci Riordan’s fashion law clinic, which provided her first opportunity to work with “clients." She also cites Professor Kevin Lapp’s Evidence class, and Professor Elizabeth Pollman’s Business Association class. "Both teachers are masters of the subject they teach and really inspired me to work hard."
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