Prior to law school, you spent many years working as a patent examiner. What did you gain from that experience?

I learned a lot about intellectual property law by prosecuting patent applications at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for eight years. While my specific duties only involved patents, I eventually decided on my own to branch into trademarks. Having this unique perspective into how the USPTO operates is a key advantage. Since leaving the USPTO, I have found that employers recognize and value my examining experience. It played a big part in landing internships at

Molly Higgins loves to fly fish. True statement? 
 
Yes! Although that’s not to say that I’m very good at it. I grew up spending my summers in Idaho but it wasn’t until college, with help from a few fly-fisherman friends, that I came to understand and cherish how beautiful and therapeutic a few days on the river can be.
 
You had a great summer... Munich... New York City... tell us all about it!
 
I was fortunate to be able to attend George Washington University’s summer program at the Munich Intellectual Property Law Center. I took courses on International IP rights and Internet Law, visited

You're a literature guy. What is your "desert island" book?

I tend to enjoy classics in literature, which includes authors like Twain, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, and Hemingway. That being said, I would likely choose the book Pudd’nhead Wilson by Mark Twain. Twain was way ahead of his time in writing this book, which is a modern day mystery that includes a commentary on the evils of bigotry and racism. I would highly recommend it for those who haven’t read it.

Which course at Boyd has been your favorite?

I came to law school with an interest in constitutional law. So, naturally, my favorite

How tough was it to grow up in Reno, attend the University of Nevada, Reno, then come to southern Nevada and archrival UNLV for law school?

Growing up in Reno for most of my life, I have bled silver and blue. Unfortunately, I had to make a choice that doesn’t look good to my fellow Wolf Pack alumni. It is tough seeing the red around this campus and getting constant flak from my Boyd peers who attended UNLV, but it is all in good fun and I enjoy the rivalry. I will always support the Pack!

You're bucking the family tendency toward the medical profession. Is everyone in the Shuman household

Tell us about your career as a professional Muay Thai fighter.

I suffered a debilitating hip injury in high school. My doctor suggested that I work out in order to prevent relapse. I tried going to the gym but was quickly bored by treadmills, bikes, and aerobics classes. A friend suggested I try Muay Thai. I did, became addicted, and had my first fight three months later. I lost that fight to a Canadian who was a national champion. I never lost another fight and won two national Muay Thai championships.

And after your fighting career, you became a City of Henderson police officer?

It was

You discovered your affinity for the law accidentally, right?

Yes, I originally wanted to be a news reporter. I attended a magnet high school that specialized in broadcast journalism and even entered college as a journalism major. However, I signed up for an internship program one summer and was unexpectedly placed at the Clark County Public Defender’s Office. It was my first real exposure to the legal profession. At the end of internship, I knew the legal field was where I belonged.  

As an undergrad, you joined the UNLV Mock Trial Team. How has that experience been useful to you in law

What are your memories of your childhood in Hong Kong?

When I was little, my parents would take me to go see lights and decorations that were put on the harbor-facing buildings in Hong Kong during every Christmas.  The lights were so bright and attractive that you could even see them from the other side of the harbor.  It is very hard to describe in words how beautiful the Christmas lights were.

And what are your memories of arriving in the United States when you were 13? 

I don’t think I can ever forget about my first day of school in the United States.  I remember that it took me a couple

You were an extern for United States District Court Judge Richard Boulware.  What was your takeaway from that experience?

My experience externing for Judge Richard Boulware was probably one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences during my law school career. Judge Boulware provides an externship experience that I believe is unlike any other. I had the opportunity to act as a law clerk and handle my own case load. My biggest takeaway from this experience is that it reinforced that I have the abilities to succeed in the legal field.

And how did you enjoy serving as a teaching

Tell us about your work with the Nevada State Legislature prior to law school.

My job at the legislature was phenomenal and one of the most gratifying work experiences I’ve ever had. I worked for Senator Tick Segerblom, and I enjoyed working with citizens, legislators, and community organizations to craft legislation that helped thousands of Nevadans. Even now when I am not there, I often have the committee hearings streaming online in the background while I study. 
 
Fill in the blanks:  "My favorite class at Boyd was _____ because _____."

This is tough to answer. But one of my favorite

You've had a goal of running a marathon.  How are you doing with that?

I’m not as far along as I had hoped, but I’m slowly getting back to training. Before law school, I ran a half-marathon, and my right knee decided not to cooperate a few miles in. I basically ran a majority of the race sideways to avoid bending the knee, and I think that did more damage than good. But I think sitting in class for the last three years has helped me recover!

What's been the highlight of your tenure as editor-in-chief of the UNLV Gaming Law Journal?

Besides working with all the great members of GLJ, the