Bertolino LLP takes solace in the knowledge that so many of today’s young people have their fingers on the pulse of change in law practice. The 2023 Bertolino Impact in Government scholarship brought in several concise and thoughtful essays describing how some of the nation’s most fundamental legislation may change in years to come. That said, one essay stood out from the rest.
This year, Bertolino LLP’s financial support goes to Grace McAloon, an incoming student at the University of Texas at Austin. McAloon’s scholarship essay displays an intellect beyond her years as she outlines the complexities of patent law.
McAloon’s essay expertly highlights how increased governmental influence has transformed the implementation and practice of patent law. Her essay discusses how the legal practice may continue to change to benefit inventors, investors, and all parties in between.
McAloon Deep-Dives Into Patent Law
It is always a great joy listening to a burgeoning expert outline the way their field has developed over the years. McAloon may be young, but her dedication to patent law sings in every line of her Bertolino Impact in Government scholarship essay.
McAloon outlines the steps involved in the patent process and comments on the ways government bodies like the Supreme Court have stepped in to make it more rigorous. While this oversight can exacerbate the process, McAloon notes that the Supreme Court’s oversight makes today’s patents more valuable.
McAloon additionally notes that patent attorneys can break down communication barriers between inventors and government bodies. While today’s inventors can still go “pro se,” representing their best interests, McAloon praises patent attorneys for demystifying the process’s many steps.
Drawing Inspiration for an Intensive Area of Study
McAloon’s interest in patent law stems from personal passions and community support. She cites her high school physics teacher, Mrs. Feng, as a source of constant support as she applied to different colleges.
“Mrs. Feng aided me in discovering my current career path,” she says. “My junior year of high school, amid college talk, consisted of me trying to navigate how I would combine my love for STEM with my love for law and debate. Patent law is what Mrs. Feng pointed me to, and after doing my research, I fell in love with it.”
An Ambition Academic Career
McAloon is in her first year of mechanical engineering studies at the University of Texas at Austin. While she has yet to declare a minor, she intends to study Government or the Philosophy of Law.
McAloon also has ambitions outside of her academic track. She is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a program designed to fast-track her professional development. She also hones her faith as a BSM, UT’s Baptist student ministry member.
Moreover, McAloon serves as a student consultant with the Assessment, Data, Analytics, and Planning Team (ADAPT) throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. She is also part of UT’s pre-law list-serv.
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McAloon’s Plans for the Future
McAloon wants to attend law school after completing her undergraduate degree, with ambitions of continuing her education at the University of Texas. She hopes to merge her education as a mechanical engineering major with legal work to change the patent law landscape even further.
Bertolino LLP wishes her the best of luck as she begins her undergraduate education and looks forward to hearing about her ongoing pursuit of her career goals.
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How to Apply for the 2024/2025 Bertolino Impact in Government Scholarship
Bertolino LLP intends to transition away from written essays for this year’s scholarship. Students who want to follow in Grace McAloon’s footsteps will have to record a video essay between 30 and 60 seconds long addressing the following points:
- Assume we are now 50 years into the future. Describe how American society has changed in at least one significant legal way. How are people interacting with the new laws?
- Explain how and why the law has evolved to meet this society-impacting change.
- How do Americans (including the legal profession) interact differently with the law and people needing legal services because of this societal change?
- Has this change been positive or negative for Americans and their interaction with the law?
Students must shoot and edit their videos before posting them as unlisted YouTube videos. Applicants can then send their videos to Bertolino LLP alongside other essential application materials, including proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university and an unofficial transcript.
NOTE: Bertolino LLP’s scholarship selection committee will not consider applications submitted without essential materials or after the scholarship’s submission deadline has closed. Interested parties should keep an eye on the firm’s website for more information about next year’s application process.
Bertolino LLP Congratulates McAloon
Bertolino LLP wants to award its financial support to students with a keen eye on the future. This year, we applaud Grace McAloon’s unparalleled passion for patent law. The firm wishes McAloon the best of luck with her continued education and proudly grants her $2,500 in scholarship aid. Our law firm looks forward to continuing to support passionate, forward-thinking students like McAloon.
Students applying for next year’s Impact in Government scholarship can refer to the terms and conditions page for more information about the criteria.
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