Liz McHugh
Patent Law Clerk/Paralegal
“I like the positive workplace relationships at Leber IP Law. People treat each other with respect.”
Liz (right) after a 5K race in Ottawa with Angie Armstrong-Baker
Liz loves to learn new things. As a Canadian working with many U.S. clients and colleagues, she gets to expand her knowledge every day.
With 40 years of experience in the legal field, Liz has been working in intellectual property law for the past 15 years. She enjoys working remotely and part-time for the first time in her career.
She prides herself on handling clients’ needs cost-effectively and correctly, whether she is working for our clients or foreign associates or working directly with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Liz likes knowing she contributes to helping our clients protect and defend their intellectual property.
Liz is one of the founders and current treasurer of the Ottawa Association of Law Clerks, which has 150 members. She and three friends formed the association because they saw a need to raise the profile and recognition of law clerks in the legal profession. After starting this grassroots association, 30 years later it is still run by volunteers and three of the original founders are still involved. In addition to raising the profile of law clerks, the association also provides continuing education to law clerks through seminars; acts as a support/network group; provides information on employment opportunities; and provides a way to disseminate information on legal issues. With 150 members, the association meets in a boardroom over lunch, featuring speakers who cover topics such as current changes to legislation or practice in specific areas of law or self-improvement.
Continuing education and life-long learning are important to Liz. In her spare time, Liz trains for and competes in long-distance running events, enjoys hanging out with friends, and going to the movies. She also golfs in the summer, soaking up the opportunity to be outside.
Her goal for 2020 was to participate in 20 running events, but she might have to stretch that over to 2021 given the coronavirus outbreak. She particularly enjoys running with her coworkers, like last year’s race in January with Angie…when it was minus 30 degrees!