Alumni Spotlight: Featuring

Nicholas Jackson

By: Martha Schull | April 25, 2025

Spotlight Feature: Nicholas Jackson

Graduation Year: 2009

Tennessee Law Review Position: Research Editor

Meet Nicholas “Nick” Jackson, a 2009 graduate of the College of Law and former Research Editor of the Tennessee Law Review. Currently a partner at Dentons LLP in Washington, D.C., Nick handles high-stakes intellectual property litigation, helping global companies navigate the complexities of U.S. patent litigation and ensuring their innovations remain protected in competitive markets. His Volunteer roots run deep, even in Washington, D.C.

Interestingly, Nick began his career at an automotive plant in Mayville, Tennessee after finishing his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Tennessee. His journey from engineer to attorney at an international law firm is a story of technical skill, high-quality legal training, and the valued support of his wife, who asked him a life changing question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

After careful consideration, Nick launched himself into law school, where he discovered that intellectual property law aligned well with his engineering background. As a Research Editor for TLR from 2008-2009, Nick tackled thorny legal issues he currently addresses in his practice, like the patentability of abstract inventions. For example, editing Michael Risch’s article, Everything is Patentable,[1]laid the groundwork for later achievements, including successfully arguing abstract idea patentability before the Federal Circuit in Dropbox v. Synchronoss Techs.[2] Nick reflects, “Law Review taught me to think critically, argue persuasively, and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of patent litigation.”

Now as a partner at Dentons LLP, Nick’s legal training and knowledge of engineering and manufacturing give him a practical edge in complex patent and trade secret disputes before the U.S. International Trade Commission, the Federal Circuit, and multiple federal district courts. Nick’s clients range from cutting-edge start-ups to industry giants who trust him with their most valuable assets: intellectual property. Specifically, his work spans a range of technologies such as automotive design, lithium-ion batteries, surgical implants, water filters, cloud computing, marijuana vape pens, smartphones and watches, medical devices, slider bags, naval architecture, exercise massage guns, and thermal insulation.

Outside the office, Nick is a scout leader for his kids and a board member for the Friends of the Arlington Planetarium. Whether he is guiding clients through intricate IP disputes or explaining to his kids why doing chores builds character, Nick embraces the same principles: clear thinking, sharp strategy, and just enough wit to make even the most complicated cases a little more engaging.

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[1] See generally Michael Risch, Everything is Patentable, 75 Tenn. L. Rev. 591 (2008).

[2] Dropbox, Inc. v. Synchronoss Techs., Inc., 815 Fed. App’x 529 (Fed. Cir. 2020).