Keisha McClellan came to Chicago-Kent with a background in television production and branding and now focuses on cybersecurity, data privacy, digital antipiracy, and intellectual property protection. She built on her professional accomplishments by taking on roles in student organizations, legal blogging, and summer experiences, and sharing her expertise with others at Chicago-Kent and beyond.
Student Profile
- Class year: 2019
- Division: Full-time day
- Hometown: Boston, MA
- Academic Background:
- Intellectual Property Law, Science & Technology Certificate from Stanford Law School
- Cyberlaw Summer Program at the London School of Economics & Political Science
- M.A. in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia
- B.A. in English and political science from Spelman College
- Social media: LinkedIn, Twitter
What drew you to the legal profession and law school?
As a former television producer and marketing executive, I enjoy working with clients and attorneys to help protect companies’ assets and brand image. My interest in protecting the IP portfolios of media and entertainment companies evolved into a broader focus on cybersecurity and data privacy across many industries.
Obtaining a law degree will enable me to fuse my brand-protection and client-services expertise with data breach response and counseling as an attorney on cybersecurity preparedness, risk management, IP antipiracy, and regulatory compliance.
What stood out about Chicago-Kent?
Chicago-Kent’s commitment to legal innovation impressed me. The curriculum is forward-thinking, the faculty is renowned, and the alumni are leaders in dynamic areas of law.
At Chicago-Kent
- Law Clerk, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Clark Hill PLC
- Antipiracy & IP Protection Summer Legal Associate, The Walt Disney Company
- Summer Legal Intern, Edelman, Crisis & Risk Management Practice
- Ms. JD 2018 featured monthly “Writers-in-Residence” blog on technology and law
- Dean’s Honor List, Fall 2017 & Spring 2018
- CALI Award, Fall 2017 – Emerging Technologies
- Legal Research Assistant ISLAT
Congrats to Keisha McClellan @keishamcc on being selected as a 2018 Writer in Residence for the Ms. JD blog @MSJDorg!
Her first post included career advice she got from @Oprah at @HarpoStudios & how she's applied it in her #kentlaw classes: https://t.co/UAdZ9utJIJ pic.twitter.com/gfDKyU4o9K
— Chicago-Kent Law (@ChicagoKentLaw) February 10, 2018
Check it out: 2L Keisha McClellan co-authored an article on #cyber attacks against the film and media industries for the ABA Section of #IntellectualProperty Law's Landslide magazine: https://t.co/qMZafOZ4tV. @keishamcc @ABAIPL #cybercrime #cybersecurity #cyberattack pic.twitter.com/wdQ5LUnEO2
— Chicago-Kent Law (@ChicagoKentLaw) April 5, 2018
ISLAT blog w/ @CSDPS_Kentlaw's Keisha McClellan on benefits & risks of bots behind apps & #IoT personal tech: https://t.co/ZGaogkQuD2 pic.twitter.com/rLnPDps9bi
— Chicago-Kent Law (@ChicagoKentLaw) May 24, 2017
Student Engagement
- Cyber Security & Data Privacy Society (CSDPS) – 2016-2018, founding board member
- Moot Court Honor Society – 2017-2018 Junior Member
- Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS)
- Chicago-Kent Society of Women in Law (WIL)
What made you want to get involved in these organizations?
I wanted a dimensional law school experience that fused theory with real-world learning and connection. Being involved with student organizations expanded my circle of friends in law school and exposed me to lectures, programming, and practitioners that helped hone my legal career goals.
Beyond Law School
What neighborhood do you live in? What do you like about it?
I live in Hyde Park. I like the storied history of the neighborhood and its intimate relationship with the University of Chicago. The eclectic mix of residents, restaurants, and shops reminds me of my favorite areas in New York, Los Angeles, and London.
What is your favorite way to enjoy Chicago?
I enjoy Chicago by biking along the lakefront and exploring new architectural and public art tours.
