2023 Unsung Legal Heroes: Alexis Rhea

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Fish & Richardson P.C.

Alexis Rhea’s first “adult job” in a small community bank led her to consider a financial career before deciding the classes required were not appealing.

After attending a presentation on a paralegal program, Rhea was sold. She earned a paralegal degree and started her career at a boutique firm before moving to Fish & Richardson eight years ago, where she specializes in trademark law.

“I like the marketing and product development aspects of the work,” Rhea said. ‘It’s interesting to work with businesses and see the behind-the-scenes of how they come up with product names and what  marketing techniques they use.”

She said she likes the diversity and variety of Fish & Richardson clients, ranging from startups with a handful of founders to international corporations who know the naming and trademark protection processes well. For those clients, she works with trademark offices around the world to ensure their intellectual property remains protected, she said.

Rhea keeps active on many fronts. She recently updated the firm’s templates for submitting documents to the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. After being promoted to paralegal team lead, she’s begun mentoring three new trademark paralegals, offering tips on dealing with various attorneys and providing guidance on best practices and procedures.

Rhea works with as many as 10 to 15 attorneys and their clients during her workday. She likes the variety of personalities she encounters, saying, “It definitely keeps you on your toes.”

Outside of work, Rhea enjoys traveling globally with her husband, visiting Thailand, Jordan and Egypt. She volunteers at a wildlife center in Roseville and has lately tested her gardening skills. “This is my first year growing cantaloupe and my fingers are crossed,” she said.