After stint in chemistry, Lodge finds right formula in legal career

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Alex Lodge’s first exposure to patent law came during a summer undergraduate internship in the research labs at Procter & Gamble.

Lodge met with the company’s patent group, and “that’s when I first realized I could have a background in the hard sciences, but also pursue law,” he said.

Today, Lodge is an associate at Foley & Lardner and a member of the firm’s Chemical, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Practice. He enjoys being a problem solver and helping clients find solutions.

“Much of my training as a chemist dealt with solving a broader issue in the scientific community through research and development,” he said. “This parallels what I do now as a patent attorney, where I am able to assist clients in protecting their innovations through the patent procurement process.”

Lodge’s peers describe him as someone who is dedicated to helping others.

“I am honored to know and work with Alex, and look forward to seeing what he will accomplish next,” said Makda Fessahaye, an administrator in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ division of adult institutions and also a 2019 Up and Coming Lawyer award-winner.

“He is the true embodiment of an up and coming lawyer.”

Lodge is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, the National Bar Association, the Wisconsin Association for African-American Lawyers and the American Chemical Society.

“At a very high level, as with most professional fields, the lack of diversity within the field of law continues to be a challenge,” he said. “That’s why it was imperative for me to be part of the Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers. WAAL has provided me with a professional and personal community, which has been important for the encouragement, growth and support needed to grow as a young black attorney.”

Outside of work, Lodge said family is his biggest priority. He also has a passion both for helping young people and for music. He has served as a youth mentor for many years and as director of the Madison Kappa Youth Leadership Development League. He is also a big brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County.