“Knowledge is only power when used productively.”
~Lisa R. Brooks, J.D.
Business Strategist | Author | Speaker | Educator
Education & Certifications
- Stanford Law School (J.D.)
- Princeton University (A.B.)
- Université Paul Valéry (Junior Year Abroad in Montpellier, France)
- Notre Dame de Sion College Preparatory High School for Girls (Kansas City, MO)
- Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Certified 9-12: Social Studies & English Language Arts)
Bar & Court Admissions (Retired)
- California
- Missouri
- U.S. District Court (West. District of MO)
Professsional Experience*
- Success Blossoms Entrepreneur Network – Entrepreneur Coach: Strategic Planning, Business, Innovation, Intellectual Property, Entertainment, Advertising & Media (October 2011 – Present)
- Gisst Information Strategies (formerly Out Counsel Consulting) – Legal & Business Consultant: Intellectual Property, Entertainment, Advertising & Media, Business, Innovation, Strategic Planning (September 2010 – Present)
- H&R Block – Corporate Counsel: Advertising & Media, Intellectual Property, Innovation, Compliance (November 2007 – May 2010)
- Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP – Of Counsel: Intellectual Property, Business, Advertising (February 2005 – October 2007)
- Brooks Hammond, L.C. – Managing Counsel: Intellectual Property, Business, Entertainment (April 2001 – January 2005)
- Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP – Of Counsel: Intellectual Property, Business & Finance, Franchising (September 1996 – March 2001)
- Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP – Associate: Entertainment, Intellectual Property (September 1992 – August 1996)
Consulting Experience
- Success Blossoms Entrepreneur Network – Business Strategist (September 2010 – September 2011) Served as legal consultant regarding the formation of an entrepreneur network and the implementation of an online membership site; advise regarding business formation issues and the use and protection of intellectual property
- Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Urban Entrepreneur Partnership Coaching Program – Business Coach (February 2007 – February 2008) Counseled entrepreneurs by assisting with the review, evaluation, development, organization, preparation and/or improvement of operational, financial and business plans and programs related to clients’ businesses
- Economic Growth Group of Kansas City, Entrepreneur Incubator – Client Advisor (April 2001 – April 2003) Served as legal consultant and business coach for micro to small businesses in connection with business formation and corporate maintenance matters, acquiring MBE/WBE certification, preparing competitive bid packages, contract negotiation, writing business plans and proposals, and seeking bank financing
Publications & Presentations
- “Intellectual Property Issues for the Health & Wellness and Information Technology Specialist”, Brown Mackie College – Lenexa (Presenter, April 2011)
- “Copyright or Copy Wrong?: Plagiarism in the Digital Age”, Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City (Presenter, January 2010)
- “KCMBA Bar Leadership Academy Comes to SHB”, Diversity News – Shook Hardy & Bacon (Author, August 2009)
- “Law Firm & Organizational Leadership”, KCMBA Bar Leadership Academy Session 5 (Moderator, April 2009)
- “How Famous Are You? The New Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2006”, SHB 4th Annual Corporate Counsel Institute (Presenter, January 2007)
- “Trademark Basics”, SHB Client White Paper (Author, August 2006)
- “The ABCs of That Little ©”, Kansas City Small Business Monthly**, Vol. 14 Issue 2 (Author, February 2005)
- “Being Smart About Intellectual Property: Understanding the Value of Your Intangible Assets and How to Protect Them”, Kansas City Small Business Monthly**, Vol. 13 Issue 4 (Author, April 2004)
- “Choice of Entity: Is Your Business Form Putting You at Risk?” flourish! Magazine, Premiere Issue (Author, January 2004)
- “Intellectual Property for the Paralegal”, Skillpath Seminars (Instructor, Spring 2000)
- “Fiduciary Duties, Rights and Responsibilities”, Missouri Business Organizations, The Missouri Bar, Chapter 9 (Co-author, 1998)
Former Memberships
- Local Bar Associations – Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA), Jackson County Bar Association
- National Bar Associations – American Bar Association (Past Chair, Subcommittee on Advertising of the Intellectual Property Law Section), American Intellectual Property Law Association
- Business Organizations – National Association of Women Business Owners (Public Policy Committee)
Civic Activities
- Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City (Board of Trustees 2003-2010, Past Chair)
- Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri (Troop 226 – Cookie Sale Manager 2004-2005; Troop 3453 – Founding Leader 2006-2010)
- KCMBA Greater Kansas City Bar Leadership Academy (Steering Committee 2008-2010)
- YWCA of Greater Kansas City (Board of Directors 2005-2008, Personnel Committee)
- Capital Campaign, Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City (Honorary Co-Chair 2006-2008)
- Alumnae Association, Notre Dame de Sion High School (Past President)
Awards and Accomplishments
- KCMBA Greater Kansas City Bar Leadership Academy (Class of 2006-2007)
- Nominee, 25 Under 25 Award – Class of 2003 (Sponsored by Kansas City Small Business Monthly**)
- Johnson and Gibbs Stanford Law Review Award (1992)
- Stanford Law Review – Articles Editor (1990-1992)
- Earl Warren Legal Scholar (1989-1992)
- National Black Law Students Association (Stanford Chapter, Co-Chair 1990-1991)
** Now Thinking Bigger Business magazine