Victoria Hay is a foreign filing paralegal for Merchant. Supporting attorneys throughout the firm, Victoria ensures that patents are filed accurately for both US and international clients. Her role is critical to the success of the legal team and clients all over the globe.
Experienced Paralegal and Client Supporter
Before joining the team at Merchant, Victoria worked as a legal assistant in U.S. and foreign patent prosecution. She supported attorneys working with clients in a wide range of industries, including life sciences, consumer products and chemical applications. Now, she works with clients in all industries to provide them with the highest quality of service.
Whether providing foreign associates with filing instructions or investigating compliance laws, Victoria enables the firm to better serve their clients. Her many duties include corresponding with clients in a timely manner, tracking deadlines and conducting in-depth research.
Victoria treats each client with empathy and understanding. She takes great pride in her work and thrives on being able to deliver positive results. By being detail-oriented and thorough, Victoria’s able to provide a strong foundation for clients to successfully meet their goals.
A Highly Skilled Researcher and Problem-Solver
The world of patent law is ever-changing. Finding the right information is crucial to moving forward with a patent filing. Victoria works diligently to provide associates with the most up-to-date information regarding each country’s IP regulations, patent processes and compliance laws.
Victoria thoroughly researches information for the legal team and provides them with accurate filing instructions for every stage of the patent application process. Her ability to quickly provide relevant details ensures that innovative solutions and comprehensive case strategies can be formed.
A Passionate Advocate and Community Leader
Victoria began her professional journey as an EMT. Originally interested in becoming a SWAT medic. While earning her bachelor's degree, Victoria completed an internship at her local district attorney’s office. Through this experience, she developed a passion for providing everyone with equal legal representation. She thrives on carrying out research, analyzing details and putting together the right information to help others succeed.
Victoria is closely connected to her community. She spent four years in the Red Cross doing disaster recovery and emergency preparedness. She also served as a 911 Training Coordinator, where she started as a call taker and dispatcher. She eventually transitioned into the department coordinator and planned events to help increase community engagement and understanding.
A strong advocate for social justice and mental health, Victoria volunteered at her Mental Health Advocacy Center. She ran family support groups, coordinated food drives and grocery deliveries, and helped to organize community events. Victoria’s goal is to erase the stigma associated with mental illness, providing a confidential environment where all people can safely access mental health resources.
Originally from North Carolina, Victoria now resides with her family in Georgia. In addition to volunteering, she enjoys planning events for loved ones, taking road trips and drag racing.