Melissa Quirin is an associate in our Electrical & Software group. Her practice centers on patent prosecution, where she drafts and manages patent applications, conducts prior art research, and translates complex technical ideas into clear, strategic protection.
Melissa has a background in electrical engineering and brings hands-on experience in automation systems, circuit design, and process control. That technical foundation shapes her pragmatic approach to patent law and her ability to bridge the worlds of engineering and legal strategy.
Prior to practicing law, she gained industry experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for assembly line automation, as well as commutator manufacturing for large industrial electric motors used in high-volume turbines.
Melissa earned her J.D. from William & Mary Law School, where she received the ABA-BNA Award for Excellence in the Study of Intellectual Property Law and was active in the Student Intellectual Property Society, Data Privacy and Cyber Security Law Society, and Women’s Law Society. She also holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she served as Vice President of Women in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
While at the University of Tennessee, Melissa completed significant undergraduate study in microelectronic circuit design and sensor integration, with personal design and development experience in applying this technology across various areas. This work included nuclear fuel monitoring, health and fitness tracking, autonomous vehicle programming, and programming microcontrollers for audio/visual communication.