At Brooks Kushman, Marc Lorelli pairs mentorship with innovation to empower the next generation of litigators
Marc Lorelli didn’t set out to lead high-stakes patent litigation or shape the next generation of IP attorneys. But from the start of his career, he was drawn to the challenges and impact of intellectual property law. “I believe in setting a clear vision, empowering others with the tools and trust to succeed, and being fully invested in their development,” Lorelli says. Today, as co-chair of litigation at Brooks Kushman, Lorelli applies that vision across complex cases and collaborative teams.
A pivotal moment that helped define Lorelli’s career came early, when he led a patent litigation matter for a major client. The pressure was high: advanced technology, tight timelines, and significant business risk. “It required creative problem solving, resilience, and constant communication,” he recalls. “I learned how critical it is to build trust not only through legal knowledge but through responsiveness, transparency, and an understanding of the client’s broader business goals.”
That experience deeply influenced his leadership philosophy—especially the need for adaptability and direct communication. In one challenging case, Lorelli had to recalibrate the litigation strategy midstream and have honest conversations with the client about potential outcomes. “That experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and honest communication,” he says. “Today, I approach leadership decisions with that same mindset.”
One of Lorelli’s most deeply held principles is that IP litigation should be treated as a business tool, not just a legal process. He works with clients to align legal strategies with their broader goals—whether that means protecting market share, creating leverage for licensing, or reducing risk. “I’ve helped evolve our internal systems to better support this mindset across our team,” Lorelli says.
Looking ahead, Lorelli’s focus is on innovation and mentorship. “I want to help build a culture where thoughtful mentorship and innovative thinking are central to everything we do,” he says. That includes working with firm leadership to stay ahead of emerging trends and ensuring junior attorneys are well-positioned for long-term success.
When asked what kind of education is most valuable in the field, Lorelli doesn’t hesitate: a mindset of constant learning and curiosity. It’s a mindset he’s modeling every day.
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