RAISING THE BAR
PROFILES in PRACTICE
TEXAS
ANTHONY BÉGON ’12
SYED K. FAREED ’08
Head of Litigation and Compliance, McAfee Enterprise (Dallas–Fort Worth)
Partner, IP Trial Lawyer, Baker Botts (Austin)
How I describe my job: Risk management. I have a unique opportunity to interact with many aspects of the business and advise leadership on how to manage and mitigate risk across the globe, from commercial, employment and IP disputes, global data privacy concerns, and ethics and compliance.
How I describe my job: I help companies develop strategies to protect their intellectual property assets, as well as defend against IP threats. Oftentimes it involves litigation, which can be challenging and fun in its own ways.
What a typical day entails: Every day has its own set of unique and interesting problems to solve. Each day I advise clients on how to accomplish a particular goal while minimizing legal exposure. To do that, however, I try to structure my day to continue learning about the rapid developments and threats in cybersecurity and how they impact our legal and compliance obligations across the globe. An interesting job experience I’ve had: Over this past year, I was able to work through certain legal and regulatory challenges of becoming a public company and shortly after divesting the enterprise business to private equity. Taking a global company public—then a portion of that company back to private in a matter of months—was an amazing (and busy) experience. What I like about living/working in Texas: After growing up in Massachusetts and living in Minnesota for six years, I really enjoy the mild winters in Dallas. Texas barbecue is also a big draw.
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What a typical day entails: There is no typical day in this field, which makes things interesting. But my days revolve around preparing for depositions, conducting strategy sessions, court hearings, etc. An interesting job experience I’ve had: A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work in-house at a professional sports league and manage their IP issues. That was a very rewarding experience as I got to apply my skills in an area that is quite different from the typical technical fields we see in IP litigation. Something I wish I knew in law school: A lot of my time these days is spent teaching and mentoring junior attorneys as they learn the ropes in IP law. It is a quite rewarding task, and certainly something that I didn’t appreciate before I started in this profession. What I like about living/working in Texas: Austin has been a great place to live for many reasons. It’s got a lively culture, and the tech industry here has expanded quite significantly, which has been a boon for the practice of IP law in Texas.
Advice to someone entering my field: There are so many opportunities in the legal profession. Although it’s great to specialize, continue learning new areas of the law, and don’t be afraid to take on new opportunities.
Advice to someone entering my field: Don’t be afraid to try new areas of law, whether they are within the IP umbrella or outside of it. Trying new areas will make you a more well-rounded attorney.
My favorite inspirational quote: I have two: “Debate. Decide. Do.” and “Bloom where you are planted.”
My favorite inspirational quote: “Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground.” —David Icke
How I spend my free time: If I’m not spending time with my wife and two children, I love to cycle outdoors, which I can practically do year-round in Dallas.
How I spend my free time: Most of my time outside of work is spent with my family, taking my kids to the park and enjoying the vibrant culture in Austin.
MINNESOTA LAW
FALL 2021
