Overview

Kelly Fermoyle is an experienced litigator at Faegre Drinker, where he represents clients in a wide array of complex commercial disputes and arbitration matters, including patent litigation and other high-stakes intellectual property matters. Known for his strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail, Kelly delivers tailored legal solutions that address the specific needs and objectives of his clients. His practice spans multiple industries, including technology, financial services, health care and manufacturing.

Technical Experience

Before embarking on his legal career, Kelly worked as a firmware engineer, gaining hands-on experience in electrical and computer engineering. This technical background equips him with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in technology-driven disputes and intellectual property cases. His unique blend of engineering and legal experience is invaluable to clients navigating complex technical issues.

Commitment to Client Service

Kelly is committed to building strong, collaborative relationships with his clients. He takes the time to understand their business goals and legal challenges, developing customized strategies that align with their objectives. Kelly’s proactive communication ensures that clients are kept informed and engaged throughout the legal process.

Past Experience

Kelly rejoined Faegre Drinker after clerking for Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. During his clerkship, he gained valuable insight into court proceedings and judicial preferences. Kelly broke into law with a clerkship at a boutique intellectual property firm in Minneapolis and an externship with Chief Judge John R. Tunheim of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Clerkships

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Hon. Elizabeth Cowan Wright, 2018-2019

Education

Mitchell Hamline School of Law
J.D. summa cum laude, Cybaris Intellectual Property Law Review (executive editor), Mitchell Hamline Law Review (editor) (2016)

Pennsylvania State University
M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, magna cum laude (2010)

Saint John's University
B.A. in Computer Science (2008)

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

  • Immigration Court Asylum
  • Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
  • Hennepin County Housing Court

Professional Associations

  • Federal Bar Association — Minnesota Chapter, Monthly Meetings, Vice President & Director
  • American Intellectual Property Association

Civic Activities

  • GiGi's Playhouse Twin Cities — Board Member and Secretary, 2019-present
  • Down Syndrome Foundation — Director of Juliette’s Race, 2014-19
  • Special Olympics Minnesota

Honors

  • Federal Bar Association — Minnesota Chapter’s Harry A. Sieben Award, 2016
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2023-24