We counsel clients,
we solve problems,
we practice law.
As sophisticated practitioners of intellectual property, energy, and sustainability law, we have the experience necessary to craft solutions in a courtroom, on a conference call, or in the halls of government. We ably navigate the intersections of business and government, whether that involves obtaining or defending a copyright registration, or protecting your brand, or executing a sustainability strategy.
Practice Areas
Intellectual Property
Rivenoak Law supports clients in realizing the potential of their brands, inventions, works, and ideas. We take a holistic approach to intellectual property, from developing IP protection and value-creation strategies to enforcing IP rights and resolving contentious IP disputes quickly and favorably. We protect clients’ interests by carefully drafting and negotiating IP licenses and agreements. We strategically manage all aspects of the trademark lifecycle, from inception to clearance, registration, renewal and enforcement in the United States and around the world.
Our attorneys advise entrepreneurs, creatives and industry leaders on how to manage the risks involved in maximizing the utility of their valuable intellectual property assets.
Energy and Sustainability
Energy is an increasingly important issue for businesses and governments, as they strive to achieve the ARC trifecta: affordable, reliable, and clean. Rivenoak Law provides creative, sophisticated and savvy counsel to help clients achieve their sustainability goals. Rivenoak Law can successfully shepherd clients through whatever process is needed: negotiating agreements, interpreting and complying with utility tariffs, securing regulatory approvals, and when necessary, protecting those initiatives in court or advising on whether and how changes to Michigan law could be made. Our clients know that when they want to do something groundbreaking with big impact, Rivenoak is a proven and invaluable partner.
Our Team
partners
Katy T. Dobrowitsky | Founding Partner
Katy Dobrowitsky provides sophisticated and creative counsel on branding and other IP matters informed by her decades of experience in intellectual property law. Katy founded Rivenoak Law to better serve a selective client list, including international corporations, independent entrepreneurs, and professional artists and athletes. Katy systematically and holistically identifies and protects all types of IP assets through carefully crafted licenses, agreements, and contracts. She specializes in trademarks and their lifecycle, from inception to clearance, registration, renewal and enforcement in the U.S. and abroad. An accomplished litigator, Katy has successfully tried intellectual property cases to verdict in federal and state courts on behalf of both IP owners and alleged infringers, and has testified as a subject-matter expert witness.
Katy is a double graduate of the University of Michigan, receiving her undergraduate degree from the Residential College. After graduating cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, she clerked for the Honorable John Feikens of the Eastern District of Michigan and is admitted to practice in Michigan and Massachusetts.
Contact: [email protected]
Valerie J. M. Brader | Partner
Valerie Brader brings to bear decades of experience in energy and environmental law to help clients plan and execute cutting-edge energy and sustainability strategies. Sophisticated private and public entities value her savvy advice, negotiation skills, and effective documents. Prior to joining Rivenoak, Valerie alternated between the public and private sectors, including stints advising governors of Idaho and Michigan and serving in Michigan’s cabinet. Whether a client needs representation in a conference room, a committee room, a hearing room, or a courtroom, Valerie is an experienced hand to position the client for success.
A Rhodes Scholar and published author in the legal and scientific presses, Valerie has degrees from Harvard and Radcliffe, Oxford, and Georgetown, and has taught at the University of Michigan Law School. Valerie clerked for the Honorable John Feikens of the Eastern District of Michigan and is admitted to practice and is a registered lobbyist in Michigan.
Contact: [email protected]
Attorneys
SUSIE MAHONEY
Susie Mahoney specializes in the drafting and negotiation of agreements, offering tailored, strategic solutions for clients large and small. Known for her collaborative approach, Susie takes the time to deeply understand the unique needs and objectives of each client. With a strong foundation in contract law, Susie has built a reputation for her ability to navigate complex legal matters with precision and insight. Her colleagues love that she knows when not to sweat the small stuff, but will read all the details and spot when the “fine print” is actually the big problem.
Susie graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in packaging science and is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is admitted to practice in Michigan.
JESSIE STEIGERWALD
Jessie Steigerwald is an attorney with experience in both successful nonprofit management and governmental administration. She ably assists with drafting of briefs and other litigation filings, as well as providing research support. In addition to her work at Rivenoak Law, Jessie is the president of LexSeeHer, a nationally-award winning effort to site a new monument in Lexington, MA. She previously served three terms on her local school board, including a year as Chair, in addition to other civic and governmental roles.
Jessie received her bachelor’s degree with honors from Harvard University and Radcliffe College, and received her JD from Cornell Law School. She also attended Harvard Law School as a visitor in her third year. She is admitted to practice in Massachusetts.
about our firm
Rivenoak Law takes its name from a method of woodworking that produced especially strong and long-lasting results, but required an experienced and talented individual focused on cutting with the grain. We approach practicing law the same way — our job is to craft good solutions that reflect the grain of both the law and the way our clients work. We have advised clients in a wide range of industries including automotive, manufacturing, internet and e-commerce, energy, chemical, health care, broadcasting and entertainment, banking and finance, telecommunications and media, fine and performing arts, and consumer goods. Our clients range from individuals and start-up entrepreneurs to large national and international corporations. They have two things in common: a thorny problem that is getting in the way of their success, and a desire to find a lawyer who can solve it while feeling like a member of their team.
Our attorneys are professionals who are regularly called upon to ply their craft in tricky situations, as their resumes show. Our partners have all held gubernatorial appointments and federal clerkships. They have all received leadership awards and been named “rising stars” or “top lawyers.” They lead non-profit boards and are asked to teach students and speak on their areas of law. Our attorneys are committed to the success of their clients and their communities, and when they decide to do something, they get results.
3331 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 109
Troy, MI 48084
P: (248) 677-1045
E: [email protected]
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