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		Who: Nikhil A. Heble, J.D. 2006 From: Washington Crossing, PA What: Pepper Hamilton LLP Where: Berwyn, PA

1. What city and state did you grow up in?
      Washington Crossing, PA

 

2. Where did you go to undergrad?
      I received a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. It is a six year program which does not award a separate bachelors degree.

 

3. What did you major in?
      Pharmacy

 

4. If you didn’t enter law school directly after undergraduate school, what did you do prior to law school?
      I worked as a pharmacist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

 

5. When did you realize you wanted to become an attorney?
      As an intern for a pharmaceutical company while in pharmacy school.

 

6. Describe your practice group?
      I handle all aspects of intellectual property, including patent procurement, infringement and validity studies, due diligence, licensing and client counseling; particularly in the areas of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, organic chemistry, immunology and medicine.

 

7. Looking back at your time at UM Law what are some of your most memorable moments?
      The 2004 Presidential debate. Prof. Alfieri’s Civ Pro I class. Internship with the Center for Ethics & Public Service

 

8. Who were your favorite professors at UM Law?
      Prof. Diamond Prof. Alfieri Prof. Flint

 

9. Describe the path you took after graduating from UM Law that led to your current position?
      In September 2006, I started working for Cozen O’Connor in Philadelphia. The group of attorneys for and with whom I worked decided to leave the firm for Pepper Hamilton, also in Philadelphia. I chose to go with them, and have been with Pepper Hamilton since March 2007.

 

10. What is the most challenging part of your job? The most rewarding?
       Challenging: Managing personal commitments with professional commitments. Rewarding: Representing pro bono clients.

 

11. How do you juggle family, work, sanity?
       Very carefully. It is a constant struggle, but as a young attorney it is a sacrifice you have to make.

 

12. How did the city of Miami play into your decision to attend UM Law?
       It was the deciding factor. I was born and raised in the northeast, and law school afforded me the opportunity to live in another city for three years.

 

13. How have you seen the law evolve since you first started practicing?
       Although the patent rules are constantly changing, the patent statute has remained unchanged since I began practicing. However, there is a piece of legislation working its way through Congress. The Patent Reform Act of 2007 was passed by the House in September 2007, and is currently being debated in the Senate. If passed, the 2007 Act will be the most significant piece of patent legislation since the Patent Act of 1952.

 

14. What advice do you have for people who are not sure about going to law school?
       The education is very empowering, and the degree opens a lot of avenues that would otherwise be closed.

 

15. What advice do you have for 3L’s just about to graduate?
       Enjoy the sleep while you can!

 

16. What was the last movie you saw? What was the last book you read?
       Movie: Juno. Book: Biography of Mahatma Gandhi - not finished yet.

 

17. What do you think the best thing about living in South Florida was?
       The weather for sure.

 

18. If you were not a lawyer what would you be?
       A professional tennis player.

 

19. Where do you want to be in 10 years?
       TBD.

 

20. What do you think the best thing about having a law degree is?
       The power that the knowledge gained during law school gives you.