January 2025
Dear SciTech Law Enthusiasts,
It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce the inaugural issue of our SciTech Law Section newsletter! This marks a pivotal moment in our journey, as we establish a dynamic platform for engagement, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas within our vibrant community of science and technology law professionals.
I want to begin by applauding our outstanding Newsletter Committee, whose vision and dedication have made this launch possible. For those interested in contributing articles, insights, or ideas to future editions, please do not hesitate to reply to this email. Your expertise would be a valuable addition to our publication.
As we welcome this new year, I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing founding board members—Jessica Brown, Dafina Bucaj, and Dawn Cica. Their leadership has been nothing short of transformative, laying a foundation upon which we will continue to build a legacy of excellence. I am also delighted that some members will continue their journey on the board, and I look forward to introducing them at our next meeting on February 3rd.
Reflecting on our achievements, it is incredible to see how far we have come. From presenting at the State Bar of Nevada to hosting two highly successful CLE events with over 200 attendees.
Equally exciting is the arrival of our new board members. Their passion and innovative ideas will no doubt help us push boundaries and achieve even greater heights.
I warmly invite all members to join us at our next Section meeting on Monday, February 3rd, at 4 PM. This gathering will offer a platform to share ideas, discuss initiatives, and connect with like-minded professionals. Keep an eye out for further details.
As we move forward together, I invite each of you to play an active role in shaping our Section’s future. Join us on Linkedin, or email me at chair@nvscitech.org.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Here’s to an incredible year ahead!
Warm regards,
Radhika Kunnel
Breakthrough Brief
Every month, we feature new law, legal, or business developments concerning Nevada Science & Technology. If you have a topic you would like to write for or see covered, please reply to this email!
The White House has released a new Fact Sheet outlining strategies to secure U.S. leadership in the age of artificial intelligence, emphasizing national security and economic resilience. Building on the AI Bill of Rights, this initiative highlights the need to proactively mitigate AI risks—such as its misuse in cyberattacks or misinformation—and to foster innovation to maintain global technological leadership. For those of us at the intersection of science, technology, and law, this underscores our vital role in shaping policies that promote responsible innovation while safeguarding societal interests. Read more here.
Also, earlier this month, Las Vegas hosted the 2025 edition of CES, the Consumer Electronics Show. Vegas has hosted this wonderful convention since 1978.
At the convention, Jenson Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, gave a keynote about the rapid development of AI. He commented on how we are moving past "perceptual AI" or AI that can mimic what happens in our world like a generated image from a prompt to "real AI" or AI that actually builds things we use.
Another product that caught the attention of many was the Withings Omnia, a holistic full-body scanning device that combines their best-in-class scale, cardiovascular, and body composition sensors into a device that allows us proactive about our health.
Section Spotlight
We feature an interview from our community every month. Please reply if you would like to be featured.
For our first issue, we feature Rocco Marino, a 1L at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law who wants to become a technology transactions attorney.
What initially drew you to focus on science and technology law during your legal studies?
My path to technology law stemmed from a lifelong interest in innovation and entrepreneurship. Entering law school, I planned to focus on business law, supporting companies through their legal challenges. As I researched different practice areas, I discovered technology transactions – a field that merged my passion for innovation with the precise legal work technology companies need. What drew me to this specialty was the opportunity to serve as both legal counsel and strategic advisor, helping innovative companies navigate the complex intersection of the law and their business objectives.
What inspired you to join the Nevada Bar Science & Technology section?
My particular interests in the legal field prompted me to seek groups within that niche. That search brought me to the Nevada Bar Science & Technology section which I was excited to join for the opportunity to learn more about science and technology law in Nevada. I believe Nevada is in a unique position to serve innovative companies in the coming years as our regulatory landscape evolves. I saw joining the section as an opportunity to stay at the forefront of these developments as well as to connect with my peers who share in these interests.
Which emerging technology do you think poses the most interesting legal challenges right now, and why?
I think the most obvious answer is AI. There are multiple legal challenges surrounding AI, the most consequential of which are concerns about privacy and intellectual property. One of the more significant aspects of AI is that it has the ability to impact both consumers who seek out it’s benefits as well as individuals who do not wish to use AI. My hope is that AI companies can work with regulators to ensure their continued ability to innovate while being mindful of privacy and IP concerns.
What do you enjoy most about being a Nevada Bar Science & Technology section member?
What I enjoy most about being a member of the section is the incredible people that I meet! Everyone is exceedingly friendly and each person has a unique and exciting perspective. We are all very eager to be a part of the science and technology law scene in Nevada and contribute to its growth.
Community Calendar
We have no upcoming events next month. Nonetheless, we want to highlight:
- The NV Bar SciTech Section will hold its first meeting on February 3rd, 2025, at 4 PM. If you are not a member but would like to join, please respond to this email to request the link or address.
- The ABA Science & Technology Law Section is hosting the
Privacy and Emerging Technology National Institute on March 20-21, 2025 in Washington, DC. - The Nevada Bar Conference June 11-13 in Washington DC. Members of SciTech will be presenting on Generative AI at the event!
- The Generative AI and Legal Technology (GAILTech) Club at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law explores the intersection of cutting-edge AI innovations, technology, and legal practice. They welcome collaboration and guest speakers who share an interest in shaping the future of law and technology. For more information or to get involved, please email gailtech@unlv.nevada.edu.