Introducing Joe Hanrahan, IP Attorney at Esri, Inc.
Where do you work, and what is your role?
I am an intellectual property attorney and registered in-house counsel at Esri, Inc. in Redlands, CA. Esri is the developer of ArcGIS®, a geospatial information system used by organizations all over the world.
What is the coolest thing about your line of work? Or about the industry you are in?
As an IP attorney, I have the opportunity to work with teams across the entire organization. In a single day I could be working with a development team on a new product feature, the marketing team on branding, or helping the business development negotiate a contract with a customer. Each day is different and has new challenges to address.
Working in the GIS industry has a lot of perks too. GIS is an enabling technology that lets users see the world through the lens of data. Success stories in this field are often about helping make real impact in local communities. A powerful, recent, example was how Cal Fire was able to use our GIS to provide real-time information to the first responders battling the Altadena and Palisades fires.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve found working there?
Maybe the most impactful is that sound data and information are an essential element to the smooth operation of the human world. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making the water flow, planes take-off, and produce arrive on store shelves.
What do you love about being an in-house attorney?
As an in-house attorney, I get the opportunity to really understand my client. Knowing the client holistically is a luxury that is not present in all practice types.
Are you currently working remotely? If so, what tips can you share with other in-house attorneys regarding how you have made that successful?
I work in-office; for me, I like to keep work at work as much as possible.
Why did you join ACC and what do you like the most about being an ACC SoCal Member?
My colleagues recommended ACC and I am really glad that they did. I have learned a lot about the law and better ways to practice. The conferences are excellent and the collegial, sophisticated atmosphere shared with other in-house counsel make this organization great.
What advice would you give to young attorneys?
My advice to a young attorney would be to find a good mentor to help you learn your practice area. There are so many soft skills needed in the practice of law that do not come from books or courses. Real-world experience is often the best teacher and a senior attorney that is willing to share their experiences can be a huge accelerator for professional development.
When you aren’t practicing law, what are you doing?
I like to exercise, see concerts and sporting events, hike, go to the ocean. I recently took a sailing class and have that as a new activity.
What’s something about you that fellow ACC SoCal members might be surprised to know?
That I used to be a high school English teacher in Komaki, Japan.
Learn more about ACC Membership Benefits: https://www.acc.com/membership.
