First Year Law Student Geoff Quelch Wants to be an Intellectual Property Attorney with a Focus in Chemical and Software Patents

Personal Life

Geoff Quelch is a first year law student at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and anticipates a May 2016 graduation. Although Geoff has several areas of interest, he plans on becoming an intellectual property attorney with a focus in chemical and software patents. He initially came to the United States because he wanted to become a chemistry professor, but Geoff decided to change his career. He is currently working as a senior software engineer for McKesson, a health care information technology company.


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Geoff was born and grew up in Cookham-on-Thames, England with his mother and brother. He said, "My mother and brother have been very supportive of my academic career." Geoff also admires his girlfriend, Sheila, for supporting him while he attends law school.

He graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of London in 1985 and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Manchester in 1988. Geoff has more than twenty publications in scientific journals during his academic career. When asked about his graduate school experience, he recalled, "I enjoyed grad school. It was the best years in my life."

Although Geoff is extremely busy pursuing a law degree while working at McKesson, he also enjoys singing. From 2008 to 2011, he volunteered as a board member and ultimately board chair for the Ars Nova Singers in Boulder, CO. Geoff used to sing with two different groups and he plans on rejoining the Ars Nova Singers or another singing group in the future. His favorite book is J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Geoff also enjoys Indian cuisine.

Geoff's Academic Law Career and Future Aspirations

Why did Geoff go into the law? "To change my career and get back to my roots in Chemistry."

Geoff shared his aims and aspirations. "I want to be the best IP lawyer I can be, and make a difference in the world."

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What are Geoff's key accomplishments? "Finding new ways to make a living when existing avenues prove to be dead ends."

The University of London alumnus discussed his key strengths and skills that he would like to use to advance his career goals. Geoff said, "My Academic background, 20+ years in the world of work, developing software and managing people."

The law student was asked about a weakness that he would like to work on. Geoff noted, "Getting to know new people."

Since law school can be hectic at times, does Geoff have any stress management tactics? He revealed his British humor and claimed, "Remember that in 100 years none of this matters."

Many readers are probably wondering how Geoff handles new assignments. The first year law student shared his process: "Get to know the people involved and listen a lot before speaking."

Where does Geoff derive his confidence? "From [the] experience of challenging situations that turned out well in the past."

Three Wishes to Live By, Coping with Fear, Everybody Faces Obstacles and Most Influential Traveling Experience

If Geoff had three wishes, what would he wish for? "I would wish for everyone to get enough to eat, people all around the world to get along with each other, and politicians to tell the truth."

In regards to handling fear, Geoff advised, "Try and find a way around the fear by looking at previous situations that have turned out ok."

When asked if he has faced any obstacles in his life, Geoff replied, "We all have obstacles, everyone's journey is different."

Does Geoff have a most influential traveling experience? "Travelling to the US in 1988 and spending 3 years as a postdoc. I still reside in the U.S. after leaving Great Britain 24 years ago."

What is the best part about living in the U.S.? Geoff asserted, "People in the U.S. are more upbeat and enthusiastic. Americans have a can do attitude." What does he miss about his country? "My family. I also miss the scenery in England, the green trees and rolling hills."

Professional Associations, Legal Role Models, Personal Philosophy, People You Want to Surround Yourself With and Favorite Quote

Geoff is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Colorado Bar Association, and the Denver Bar Association.

Geoff acknowledged that Justices Thurgood Marshall and Antonin Scalia are his legal role models. Why? "I like both justices because they are forthright and they articulate what they believe in. I also respect Scalia because he states what he means. There is no convoluted language."

What is Geoff's personal philosophy? "Do unto others; always be kind, you don't know the other person's story."

The law student was also asked whether he believes in fate or choice. Geoff said, "Choice. Fate you have no control over so why worry about it."

What kind of situations and people is Geoff attracted to? What kind of situations and people does he avoid? "I am attracted to outgoing people who are interested in hearing about and sharing experiences." As for situations and people to avoid, he pointed out, "Negative people and those with closed minds."

Geoff's favorite quote is: "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense."

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