From Signals to Patent Strategy: Alumna Xanadu Halkias Shares Her Career Path
EE alumna Dr. Xanadu Halkias shares how her engineering background led her from dolphin signal research to a career in patent law at a global firm.
On April 2, the Electrical Engineering Department hosted a fireside chat with Dr. Xanadu Halkias (EE Ph.D. '09), drawing a crowd of students eager to explore the unconventional career path of an alumna who transitioned from signal processing research to high-stakes patent law.
Moderated by Jennifer Lee, Director of Career Placement for the department, the hour-long conversation looks into Halkias’ career that spans underwater acoustic research, international academia, and now, corporate law at Clifford Chance, a global law firm.
From Columbia Labs to Legal Briefs
Halkias began by recounting her early academic path. “I started out in the master’s program at Columbia, not fully intending to do a Ph.D.,” she said. “There wasn’t really a plan—I just kind of kept going.” Despite her initial uncertainty, she earned her doctorate in Electrical Engineering, advised by former EE professor Dan Ellis, focusing on underwater acoustic signals and even exploring dolphin vocalizations.
But the 2008 financial crisis hit just as she graduated, making the already competitive academic job market even more difficult. After a stint working for the government, she stumbled upon the world of intellectual property through a personal connection.
That moment proved pivotal.
“When I realized how much law shapes innovation—how it protects ideas—I taught myself to write a patent,” she said. “The first one I wrote was actually my own. It got granted.”
The Technical Edge in Law
With a dual background in engineering and law, Halkias now advises clients in patent prosecution and IP transactions. Her past roles include patent agent and technical advisor, and today she works as a corporate associate at Clifford Chance, focusing on transactions involving intellectual property.
She described law as a space where technical thinking gives engineers a unique advantage. “As an engineer, you already know how to break down complex problems. That skill translates directly into legal reasoning,” she said. “But you need to learn how to communicate and how to navigate egos.”
She emphasized the importance of soft skills—especially communication and feedback—as crucial in legal settings where data alone doesn’t always win arguments.
Bridging Tech and Law
A key part of the conversation focused on how engineering students can explore legal careers without committing to law school. Halkias pointed to patent agent roles as one entry point. “You don’t need a J.D. to become a patent agent—just a STEM degree and passing the patent bar,” she explained.
She also discussed the emerging role of legal tech and how AI is beginning to reshape the legal profession. “Firms are already experimenting with AI tools built on models like GPT,” she said. “There’s a growing need for engineers who can understand both the tech and the legal implications.”
In fact, she noted that many firms now hire engineers into roles like innovation officers—positions that manage legal tech and help law firms integrate new tools. “You don’t have to be a lawyer to make an impact in legal innovation,” she said.
Staying Grounded
When asked how she stays grounded in the fast-paced world of corporate law, Halkias didn’t shy away from the emotional side of the journey. “You’ll second-guess yourself. I still do,” she admitted. “But you’ve got to learn to set boundaries. Block time for yourself, get support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
The fireside chat closed with a strong note on being open-minded at all times.
“Having a Ph.D. gives you credibility, especially when dealing with expert witnesses,” said Halkias. “But even without it, your engineering background opens a lot of doors. You can pivot. You can learn anything.”
For those interested in learning more about becoming a patent practitioner, Halkias shared the below resource: