Andrew McCusker

Associate, Zhang and Associates, P.C.

Maine Law Class of 2010, cum laude

IP Clinic Extern, Fall 2009

Andrew graduated from St. Michael's College in Vermont with a double major in philosophy and political science. While in law school, he was a member of the Moot Court team, as well as a Student Attorney at the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic. Andrew also interned with EMI Music in Nashville, Tennessee during the summer in between his second and third year. After graduation, he worked for a performance rights organization for musicians, as well as a boutique law firm in Durham, North Carolina, dealing with foreclosure cases along with some copyright work.

Currently he finds himself in Austin, Texas working for the immigration law firm Zhang and Associates, P.C. He specializes in first-preference employment-based immigration law. In other words, he works with very intelligent and accomplished doctors, scientists and researchers from many different countries seeking permanent residency in the U.S. to continue their research efforts.

How the IP Clinic helped his career:
"Interestingly, I struggled with the patent aspect of IP law and the IP clinic due to the complex technical and scientific language involved at every turn. However, at my current job, my primary function is sifting through such language in order to make compelling cases to U.S. Immigration Officials.

The IP Clinic enabled me to develop excellent IP and client management skills. In short, I consider the IP Clinic to be a highlight on my resume. It prepared me in ways that have served me beyond the strict practice of IP. Further, the professors and staff at the clinic are amazing individuals who perform excellent work for the community."