At Suiter Swantz IP we take great pride in providing our clients with the highest level of intellectual property representation and we recognize this would not be possible without our elite team of patent attorneys and staff. Each month we feature one of our team members and give you the opportunity to learn more about their experiences and background. This month it is our pleasure to introduce Emily Benke.

Emily joined Suiter Swantz IP in 2012 and is the marketing coordinator and an intellectual property assistant for the firm. Emily graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she received a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. Prior to joining Suiter Swantz IP, Emily worked for a local Chiropractor where she served as a weight loss consultant and office manager.

What do you like most about working at Suiter Swantz?
I love that no two people here are the same. Everyone has their own unique personality and skill sets. These differences are a huge reason why coming to work each day is fun.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced professionally?
Making the transition from the medical to the legal field, especially intellectual property. IP law is unlike any other law I’ve worked with.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Bellevue, Nebraska, with my parents and sister.

If you could spend the day with someone famous (living or dead) who would it be?
Not really someone famous but I would love the chance to meet my grandfather. Legend has it he lived a colorful life and it would be great to meet the person behind all the stories I’ve heard growing up.

What is your favorite book/song?
This is hard; I don’t have just one favorite. I love the Kite Runner but my inner “nerd” also loves the Harry Potter series. My favorite song will always depend on the mood I am in. Lately I’ve been on a big Counting Crows kick, there’s something therapeutic about a warm day with the windows down blaring the August and Everything After album.

As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Although comical, true. I wanted to be Michael Jordan’s manager! I distinctly remember playing on my fax machine when I was younger making deals for him! My sister was my assistant and we would work up until lunch feverishly making deals.

What do you like to do outside the office?
Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter; when the weather is nice I love to golf, paddleboard, or do any activity that allows me to be outside. A lot of our time lately has been spent preparing our house for the arrival of our son in July.