My name is Sheila Niaz, and I am a developer, runner, and patent attorney. I presently serve as treasurer of the Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna IP American Inns of Court, a board member of the ChIPs Twin Cities Chapter Advisory Board, a board member of the Minnesota Intellectual Property Law Association, and chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group of the Federal Bar Association Minnesota Chapter.

While in law school, I served as the president of the Student Intellectual Property Law Association for both 2018-19 and 2019-20, the editor-in-chief of Vol 11.2 and executive editor of Vol 11.1 of the Cybaris Intellectual Property Law Review, vice president of the Chess Club for both 2018-19 and 2019-20, a student attorney volunteer at the Mitchell Hamline Intellectual Property Clinic, a semifinalist in the AIPLA Giles Rich Patent Moot Court competition, a member of the Honorable Jimmie V. Reyna IP American Inns of Court and a recipient of the Minnesota Justice Foundation award for volunteer work. While studying Computer Science at the University of St. Thomas as an undergraduate, I served as the Computer Science Club president, president of the Pre-Law Society, and founder of the Running Club. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, rock climbing, boxing, and running. I have completed nine marathons – the 2015 Grandma’s Marathon; the 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Twin Cities Marathon; the 2017 Chicago Marathon; and the 2018 New York City Marathon – and am currently training to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to expanding access to the legal system and advocating for diversity in STEM and IP law. In recognition of these efforts, I was honored to be named a 2024 Notable Diverse Leader in Law by Twin Cities Business. I am not one to shy away from an adventure; I enjoy the challenges of unfamiliar territory and view each new venture as an opportunity to expand my experiences.