Michael Best’s Burgeoning Raleigh Office Continues to Grow with the Addition of Newly Appointed Of Counsel Attorney Deborah Gerhardt

Michael Best is pleased to announce that Deborah Gerhardt has joined the firm’s growing Raleigh office as of counsel in its Intellectual Property Practice Group.

Gerhardt represents a wide range of clients, spanning Fortune 500 corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, museums, entertainment agents, musicians, and artists. She has successfully litigated disputes in state and federal courts, as well as before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

Prior to joining Michael Best, Gerhardt spent nearly 10 years in private practice before becoming a law professor. During her tenure in academics, she served as Director of the Intellectual Property Initiative at the University of North Carolina School of Law, Associate Director of the Intellectual Property Project at the University of Richmond, and as a professor at William & Mary Law School.

In tandem with her new role at Michael Best, Gerhardt will continue to serve as a Reef C. Ivey II Excellence Fund Term Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she was awarded a University Distinguished Teaching Award for teaching trademark, copyright, intellectual property and art law.

“We are excited to welcome Deborah to our team in Raleigh,” said Ed Roney, Managing Partner of Michael Best’s Raleigh office. “She’s an excellent example of the strong talent our firm has brought on recently. Her experience in trademark and copyright law, coupled with her background in mentoring and teaching the upcoming generation of attorneys will help to strengthen our growing IP bench.”

The addition of Gerhardt comes on the heels of recent litigation attorneys Carrie Meigs and Justin May, who joined the firm’s Raleigh office last month.

“After years of working in academia and private practice, I am thrilled to be joining Michael Best to continue my legal practice,” said Gerhardt. “The triangle is a major creative and startup hub. I look forward to bringing all my experience to assist the firm’s clients.”

Gerhardt earned her J.D., cum laude from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and her A.B. from Duke University. She has also been recognized for her work in Post-Baccalaureate Instruction.