Nicole A. Nowak Email & Phone Number

United States

Responsible for supporting the continuous advancement and strategic planning for one of the largest IP practices in the nation, with over 200 practitioners and professionals who handle complex issues facing traditional and cutting-edge industry sectors across the U.S. and abroad.Nicole is known and valued for her practical approach to problem-solving and proven leadership acumen. With more than two decades of comprehensive IP legal experience and management, both in-house and at law firms, Nicole brings demonstrated proficiency, talent, and hands-on know-how to a multitude of professional disciplines, such as human resources, finance, operations, logistics, IT, marketing, professional development, recruiting, and long- and short-term role, practice group, and firmwide strategic planning and development.Nicole’s adaptive, consultative, and proactive approach has resulted in increased collaboration and efficiency across the full array of operational imperatives. She has successfully reimagined and launched rebranding campaigns for multiple organizations focused on modernizing firm operations, streamlining practice protocols, expanding brand recognition and messaging, and aligning firm directives and cultural imperatives to better serve today’s more sophisticated and high-tech IP clientele.Polsinelli’s IP team represents individuals and regional, national and global companies and attorneys handle some of the most complex issues facing technology and high-tech companies. The IP Department was named Law Firm of the Year in the 2023 edition of U.S. News –Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” and received a Powerhouse ranking in Intellectual Property Litigation by BTI Litigation Outlook 2023, a designation only the top 1% of all firms included in the report receive.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

May 2024 to Present Manage firm’s wind-up responsibilities. Feb 2020 - May 2023Re-imagined AMS and drove strategic initiatives to modernize a next-generation firm. Amplified financial performance through improving efficiencies, managing simultaneous complex projects, increasing brand recognition, creating workflow efficiencies, and supporting a diverse and inclusive culture. Achieved a notable increase in Revenue Per Lawyer. Navigated the practice transition of multiple practitioners to join AmLaw100 national firm.

Innovated with senior firm leaders on regional and national initiatives with a focus on improved engagement, accountability, productivity and profitability.

Orchestrated the post-merger activities of one of the Twins Cities largest independent law firms with the national firm of Ballard Spahr LLP. Tasked with integrating culture, operations, administration, facilities, vendor management, HR, and financial planning to align with the national organization. Headed Midwest offices supporting over 100 attorneys and 80 administrative team members.

Tasked with transforming a static Intellectual Property law firm into a vibrant and modern law firm. Spearheaded strategic development and operations of all departments including Docketing and Patent Prosecution, Finance, IT, Building and Vendor Management, HR and Benefits Administration, Recruiting and Marketing. The firm experienced a growth of 120% in revenue during tenure.

In-house position, for pioneering futures trading software company, to establish a legal operations team focused on managing external legal spend by expanding in-house capabilities.

Managed the portfolio of 150+ biotech patents annually for U.S. utility, plant and PVP applications, as well as, coordinating international counterparts.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Drafted patent documents for all stages of chemical and biotech prosecution. Supported biotech department by creating and/or editing of chemical formulas and sequence listing submissions. Coordinated monthly biotech meetings.

Biological Anthropology And Public Policy, 3.7/4.0

Activities and Societies: 2001 - 2002, Grinter Fellowship; 2001- 2002, Research and Teaching Assistantships; 2002 - Fellow, Committee.

Anthropology (Biological Focus) And Chemistry, 4.24/5.0

Activities and Societies: 1997 - 1998, President, Women's Rugby Team 1994 - 1995, Resident Advisor