Coming into a new job in a different state in the middle of a pandemic isn’t easy, but it hasn’t stopped Lorelei Ritchie from meeting those challenges. Previously a judge with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Ritchie has also taught at law schools around the country, including UCLA School of Law, Florida State University College of Law and Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Since joining the law school faculty at SIU in 2020, she has taught First-Year Contracts, and upper level Intellectual Property courses, published an article in the “American University Law Review,” and taken on the role as faculty adviser for students in the law school’s intellectual property specialization.
Get to know LORELEI RITCHIE
Name: Lorelei Ritchie
Department/title: SIU School of Law, assistant professor
Years at SIU Carbondale: 1 year
Give us the elevator pitch for your teaching job:
My background is in business law, with a specialization in intellectual property law. Before coming to SIU, I was a judge, deciding trademark disputes. So I really enjoy sharing that knowledge with students and talking about the many opportunities in intellectual property law, including for those who may not have a prior tech degree. For my research, I like exploring issues of the social utility of intellectual property law, and whether we are fairly distributing gains in innovation.
What is the favorite part of your job:
I really enjoy working with the next generation of lawyers, sharing my knowledge, and learning from their experience.
Why did you choose SIU?
I appreciate the diverse backgrounds of the students at SIU law, along with their commitment to being ethical and respectful members of the community.
My favorite activity away from work is … and why:
Normally, I would say “reading.” But this past year, I have probably watched more Netflix than I care to admit. Either way, it’s nice to get swept up in a story.
What was your first car, and would you like to have it once again if you could? Why or why not?
My first car was a very cheap, barely functioning stick shift. I do not miss the complications of stick shift (although I know some people prefer the autonomy), and I definitely do not miss my car breaking down!
