August 30, 2023 — University of Houston Law Center alumna Emma Myles (J.D. ‘23) has received the 2023 Diversity Scholarship from the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Myles, who is one of only two individuals in Texas to receive the prestigious scholarship, shared some highlights from her experiences at UH Law Center and offered advice to law students.
Name: Emma Myles
Hometown: Wausau, Wisconsin
J.D. Received: 2023
Emma Myles accepting her award at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting - IP Law Section Luncheon in June. From left to right are Joseph F. Cleveland, Jr., Bracket & Ellis, P.C., Fort Worth; Emma Myles; Niky R. Bagley, Managing Counsel at Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
What did it mean to you to receive the 2023 Diversity Scholarship from the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Texas?
I was completely taken aback when I received the email that I was one of two recipients in the entire state of Texas to receive this scholarship. When I applied, it felt like a shot in the dark. I am from a small city in the middle of Wisconsin and to think I could receive such an honor is honestly indescribable. Being acknowledged by the intellectual property law community of Texas in such a way is incredibly validating. I am so deeply honored, and I look forward to joining the IP law section of the State Bar of Texas upon my licensure.
What led you to pursue a legal education at UHLC? What were some of your favorite professors/memories here?
I came to UHLC because I wanted to live somewhere new and outside of the Midwest (where I am from). Texas was known for having reputable higher-ed institutions and Houston was a large, diverse city. Therefore, the University of Houston seemed like the ideal choice for me.
My favorite memories are the ones I made with my classmates as we all worked towards getting our degrees. I have quite a few favorite professors: Professor Paul M. Janicke for his mentorship, encouragement, and letter of recommendation for the 2023 SBOT IP Law Section Diversity Scholarship; Professor Alissa Gomez for allowing me to TA her LSS class and cultivating my enthusiasm for legal writing; Professor Nikolas Guggenberger for his review and critiques on my forthcoming publication regarding arguments for a federal biometric data privacy law; Professor Andrew Michaels for his insight and commentary on my patent and trademark law article ideas; and Professor Jessica Bregant for being incredibly supportive, encouraging, and all-around amazing.
What was your favorite part of the John M. O’Quinn Law Building?
My favorite part of the John M. O'Quinn law building is probably the library. It’s where I spent most of my time on campus. I love how bright and open it is, and the environment facilitates focus and collaboration within the diverse spaces on those two floors.
What is one valuable lesson you learned at UHLC? What advice would you give to law students who are unsure of their next steps?
Don’t shy away from opportunities that make you uncomfortable. Being in law school comes with uncomfortable experiences and it can be difficult to take on additional things that increase this discomfort. However, it is during those periods of discomfort when you really get to find out what you like or don't like and what you can or can’t handle. Yes, you will fail at things, or at least not do as well as you had hoped. I think most people focus on that fear of failure and self-doubt which prevents them (me included) from seeing what's out there. Remind yourself that every person is different. If you always listen to or do what everyone else is doing, you miss out on what could be your greatest opportunities. I know it can be overwhelming but take advantage of the time you have in law school to try things that make you a little uncomfortable.
For more news on UH Law Center alumni, click here.