Emma Burcusel

James D. Stevens Jr.

Phone

Fax

248-689-4071

Assistant

Lauren Bernier
Assistant Ext. 123

LinkedIn

V Card

Biography

James handles a wide variety of IP-related work, with a focus on patent application preparation and prosecution. His undergraduate studies on computer science engineering have proven useful for addressing IP-related issues in the ever-expanding world of computers. Quite recently, James has been focusing much of his work on developments in machine learning and other artificial intelligence techniques, including real-time large data processing, large language models (LLMs), transformers, attention, computer vision, and domain transfer technologies.

James attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where he served as an editor of the school’s law review. He is also a member of the Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court.

James earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a concentration in computer science from the University of Michigan and has enjoyed exploring new technologies throughout his life. After earning his bachelor’s degree, James worked as a software engineer for I.H.S. Markit (NYSE: INFO; formerly, R.L. Polk & Co.), where he developed web applications, including server-side development and client-side development for many different web and mobile applications used by automotive OEMs. James has maintained his love for computers and has retained his engineering spirit, always nudging him to not just talk (or write) about it but to get out and make something! Recently, James has developed web applications, including patent-related web tools to assist his practice as well as non-IP software.

Credentials

Distinctions

Dean’s Scholarship recipient for academic excellence
Book award recipient for achieving the highest grade in Contracts I, Civil Procedure II, Criminal Law, Applied Legal Theory and Analysis, Copyright Law, Evidence, Sales, International Copyright Relations Seminar and Constitutional Law
Selected for publication in University of Detroit-Mercy’s Law Review, Volume 94

Education

University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law, Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, 2017
University of Michigan College of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, 2013

Memberships and Associations

American Intellectual Property Law Association
Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association
Michigan Intellectual Property Inn of Court
State Bar of Michigan, Intellectual Property Section

Professional Experience

Software engineer at I.H.S. (formerly R.L. Polk & Co.)
Research assistant at The Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute at the University of Michigan

Technology Specialties

Computer Science
Information Technology
Electrical and Electromechanical
Mechanical

Publications/News

Posts Categories
Newsletter February/March 2025
The February/March edition of our newsletter is now available.  Here is a brief glance at what you will find in this edition: “Don’t copy that”,...
Shannon Smith was a featured speaker on Intellectual Property Law
Shannon Smith was a featured speaker on Intellectual Property Law at the Davidson Fellowship for Entrepreneurs in Digital Health, a program sponsored by Henry Ford...
Colin Cicotte traveled to northern California to visit a client...
Colin Cicotte traveled to northern California to visit a client supplying Ultra Low Energy Exploding Foil Initiators (ULEEFI) to the Department of Defense; ULEEFIs provide...