Brian Edge, JD'98
Brian Edge sought a legal education because he believes a career should be hewed from passion.
As an attorney with Morrison & Foerster in Washington D.C., a global firm of 1,000 attorneys, Edge used his experience as a former IBM systems analyst and a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to handle trademark prosecution and opposition proceedings, patent prosecution, and technology transactional matters. He often advised entertainment law clients on production, syndication, and artist agreements.
After six years in private practice, he moved in 2006 to Discovery Communications, Inc., a global leader in the creation and distribution of real-world media, retail products, and online educational services. Discovery operates networks such as the Discovery Channel, FitTV, and BBC America, in addition to international networks housed in offices from London to New Delhi and Singapore.
Edge urges today's students to remember patience and vigilance as they discover their own niche. He also noted that graduating at the top of the class isn't the only indicator of success. "I finished right in the middle of my class, and I'm proud of where my career has taken me. Though the path you travel may not be the one you planned at the outset," Edge says the important thing is to arrive at your destination.
Edge's arrival in Washington, D.C., found him pleased with the high regard employers hold for Indiana Law graduates. That's one more reason Edge considers his connection to Indiana Law one he'll nurture for a lifetime.
"Indiana is a great law school that is very supportive of its students," he said.
As a student, Edge received grant funds and an annual stipend that allowed him to pay in-state tuition during his second and third years of law school. In addition to financial support, Edge recalls care that surpassed a school's traditional calls of duty. When he became Midwest regional director of the National Black Law Student Association (NBLSA), the School provided facilities, lunch, and even faculty lecturers—who came in on a Saturday to participate—for its annual retreat.
Edge is grateful for the support he received during law school from Indiana Law's alumni, professors, and administrators: "I subscribe to the belief that to whom much is given, much is expected. Thus, I try to contribute each year and ideally in greater abundance than the previous year."
His contributions to the School include yearly campus visits as a member of the Black Law Student Association Alumni Advisory Board and Intellectual Property Advisory Board. "My matriculation marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the Law School and my contributions to date are aimed at fulfilling it," he said.