Sterne Kessler Announces Three New Directors in 2026

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox proudly announces the election of three new directors effective January 1, 2026. The newly promoted directors are Brian Dudley, Brady Gleason, and Melissa Haapala.

“These newly promoted directors truly exemplify the values and vision of Sterne Kessler,” stated Managing Director Byron L. Pickard. “Their dedication to our clients and their expertise and collaborative spirit have strengthened our firm, and we are honored to recognize them for this remarkable achievement. I am confident that their leadership will help drive our firm’s continued growth and success in the years ahead.”

Learn more about Sterne Kessler’s newly promoted directors:

Brian Dudley, Ph.D., is a member of Sterne Kessler’s Biotechnology & Chemical Practice Group, where he primarily assists in the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications and preparation of opinions of counsel. Brian’s professional expertise includes genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, stem cell biology, developmental biology, and microbiology. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law, a Ph.D. in genetics from Case Western Reserve University, and a B.A. in biochemistry and molecular biology from The College of Wooster.

Brady P. Gleason is a member of Sterne Kessler’s Trial & Appellate Practice Group concentrating his practice on complex intellectual property disputes in the pharmaceutical, mechanical and chemical engineering fields. In addition to his work in federal district courts, Brady has experience before the U.S. International Trade Commission and in inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Brady earned his J.D. with an intellectual property concentration, magna cum laude, from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, and a B.S. in biological sciences, cum laude, from Clemson University.

Melissa A. Haapala practices in Sterne Kessler’s Electronics Practice Group and has more than 10 years of service as a former Administrative Patent Judge at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) PTAB, most recently serving as a Vice Chief and Acting Deputy Chief Judge. In addition to her PTAB work, she counsels clients on litigation, licensing strategies, Standard Essential Patent (SEP) issues, and IP due diligence. Melissa earned her J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law, an M.S. in computer information systems from Regis University, and a B.S. in applied mathematics with a computer science track from the University of Colorado.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox
Based in Washington, D.C., and renowned for more than four decades for dedication to the protection, enhancement, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. Its team of attorneys, registered patent agents, technical specialists, specialized trademark paralegals, and law clerks include some of the country’s most respected practitioners of IP law, tackling innovations across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm’s practitioners represent Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities in a client service driven environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Visit the firm online at sternekessler.com.