Ryan Mahabir

As a member of the Wake Forest Journal of Business and Intellectual Property Law, Ryan held editorial leadership roles as both an Articles Editor and a Research Editor. In these positions, he managed the journal’s citation and inter-library loan systems, oversaw staff spading, and provided advanced guidance on Bluebook citation and legal writing.

Ryan began his legal career in large-scale litigation support at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, gaining experience with high-volume document review and case analysis for a national law firm. He passed the United States Patent and Trademark Office registration exam and is now focused on transitioning into patent prosecution, where he can combine his scientific acumen with his legal training to support inventors and researchers in the biotechnology and life sciences fields.

Ryan brings warmth, precision, and a deep sense of purpose to every endeavor. Whether he's editing a legal article, coaching a student, or advocating for ethical innovation, he approaches his work with compassion and intellectual rigor. His background in biology and law gives him a unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal insight.

 As a coach, Ryan is known for being friendly and approachable, preferring to work with students in a casual, collaborative way. At the same time, he’s goal-oriented and patient, always focused on helping students reach clear milestones while making sure they fully understand each step of the process. His detail-oriented mindset ensures that nothing gets overlooked and that every part of a student’s application is polished to perfection.

In addition to his legal practice, Ryan is deeply committed to animal welfare and environmental advocacy. He volunteers with the Carolina Wildlife Sanctuary, helping care for injured and orphaned native wildlife, and is actively engaged in pro bono work with an animal advocacy organization—assisting the group with its intellectual property strategy, including trademark registration and brand protection. These experiences reflect his broader commitment to using his legal skills in service of causes that align with his values.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Ryan is a lifelong musician and plays the electric bass. He is also a devoted animal lover and shares his home with two turtles, who’ve taught him more about patience and resilience than any textbook ever could.