Sarah Hestad, joining AN Law Firm, P.C. as Of Counsel, brings over 15 years of experience in intellectual property (IP) law, commercial transactions, and technology law. Sarah has worked in university legal departments, government agencies, and private practice, representing a diverse range of clients, including biotech and pharmaceutical companies, technology startups, non-profit organizations, and healthcare institutions.
At AN Law Firm, Sarah focuses on providing strategic legal advice on data privacy and clinical research issues, enabling and protecting intellectual property, and assisting clients in navigating complex legal landscapes to achieve their business objectives. Her practice areas include IP Transactions, Commercial Contracts, Government Contracting, Copyright, and Licenses.
Before joining AN Law Firm, Sarah served as Associate General Counsel at the University of Arizona, where she negotiated a wide array of intellectual property matters, procurement, and technology contracts. She also advised on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in research and academic settings, collaborated with R&D teams to secure patent protection, and led negotiations for strategic transactions and complex licensing arrangements.
Prior to the University of Arizona, Sarah worked as an Attorney in the Research and Development division at the Department of Veterans Affairs. There, she provided expertise in intellectual property law, negotiated research and license agreements, and developed legal infrastructures including new policies, form contracts, and master agreements.
Sarah began her career as a Patent Attorney at Suiter Swantz PC LLO, where she prosecuted and drafted patent applications in various fields, including medical devices and software/computing. She also managed international patent protection efforts and provided training on international patent issues.
Sarah is a registered patent attorney. Her extensive experience in both government and private sectors provides her with unique insights into technology development and commercialization, which she leverages in her IP Transactions practice.
Practice Areas
· Life Sciences Transactions
· Technology Transactions/Commercial Contracts
· Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
· Digital Health & Healthcare IT
· Copyright
· Government Research/CRADAs
Education
· Creighton University School of Law, J.D.
· University of Minnesota, B.S. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Admission to Practice
· Arizona
· Nebraska
(currently inactive)
Certifications & Registrations
· Registered Patent Attorney (Reg. # 70,042)