Nathan Oleen, 37

Practice areas: Intellectual property and technology

Law school: University of Missouri

With a degree in biological and agricultural engineering and related internships at a Fortune 100 company, Nathan Oleen could have gone on to a prestigious career in technology. Instead, that beginning served as an introduction to the world of patent law where he has become a fixture in the Kansas City area’s entrepreneurial community and the team lead for his firm’s startup practice. Through the Sprint Accelerator and Launch KC, Oleen has mentored and counseled dozens of the area’s entrepreneurs. He even provides 200 hours of volunteer instruction for law students as part of the University of Missouri’s Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic.

Oleen, who made partner at Husch Blackwell in 2015, has become a noted speaker on issues related to intellectual property and entrepreneurship. He has been a lecturer at Kansas State University on the topic utilizing his legal experience with everything from antivirus software to military special ops equipment.

Oleen, a graduate of the Centurions Leadership Program, is also involved in the Kansas City chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Variety Children’s Charity.

What is your biggest accomplishment this year?

Providing more than 50 hours of pro bono representation and performing more than 50 hours of community service through non-profit organizations, such as Project Uplift and the Downtown Outreac h food pantry.

What advice do you have for young lawyers?

Find a great mentor early in your career. Better yet, find two or three great mentors.