Ice Miller is proud to congratulate partner Sebastian Smelko and patent agent Stephen Farris on their graduation from the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series 43rd class on June 13 and 14. This is the first class to have multiple graduates from the same organization.
The Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series is a prestigious ten-month flagship program that brings together 25 emerging leaders to learn about the issues that drive Indiana and helps them gain a deeper understanding of community issues. The series is a tribute to Stanley K. Lacy, a recognized leader in the Indianapolis community who was killed in an automobile accident in 1973. Edna Lacy established the leadership series three years later to honor his memory by encouraging and supporting other young professionals in their community efforts.
The SKL Series is one of many programs managed by Leadership Indianapolis (LI), all of which seek to celebrate the different ways leadership can manifest itself. LI highlights the best and most innovative leaders who oftentimes go unnoticed and works to ensure these knowledgeable, collaborative, connected community leaders continue to move the city forward. LI’s other leadership programs include Opportunity Indianapolis, LEAD and Civic Boot Camp.
Sebastian Smelko serves in Ice Miller’s Public Affairs Practice, where he focuses on economic development matters and governmental and public affairs. He has a varied government relations practice that combines public affairs advocacy, traditional legal skills and strategic policy and political guidance. He represents clients in a wide range of matters before legislative and executive bodies at all levels of government.
Stephen Farris is a patent agent in Ice Miller’s Intellectual Property Practice. Before joining Ice Miller, Stephen was a patent agent at two Indianapolis law firms where he drafted and prosecuted patent applications primarily in the electrical and mechanical arts, including software and artificial intelligence. Stephen has experience responding to correspondence forms from the United States Patent and Trademark Office regarding office actions, conducting prior art analysis to ensure the novelty of client patent application claims, providing post-issuance practice projects and litigation support. Stephen has supported opinion work including state of the art, patentability, clearance, infringement and validity, among other responsibilities.
This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader’s specific circumstances.