Erin M. Daly, Ph.D., Esq.
Erin M. Daly, Ph.D., Esq., is the founder and attorney at Daly Law & Strategy, where she advises innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses on intellectual property, contracts, and complex business transactions. A registered patent attorney based in Trumbull, Connecticut, she brings over 13 years of experience in the legal field, combining a Ph.D. in organic chemistry with deep legal expertise to deliver strategic, business-focused solutions. Her practice is grounded in aligning intellectual property protection with clients’ long-term commercial goals while supporting sustainable innovation and growth.
Her legal career began after completing her postdoctoral work in 2013, when she transitioned into the legal field and pursued law school in the evenings while working full-time and managing significant personal responsibilities, including multiple pregnancies during that period. She earned her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 2019, after which she passed both the Massachusetts Bar and the United States Patent Bar. She began her career in-house at the University of Connecticut, where she worked on intellectual property matters in an academic setting, before moving into the pharmaceutical industry, further expanding her expertise in life sciences and innovation-driven legal work.
Today, Dr. Daly leads her own practice focused on intellectual property and business law, with a strong commitment to both client service and public interest work. A member of the American Bar Association and the Connecticut Bar Association, she dedicates a significant portion of her practice to pro bono and low bono representation, reflecting her belief that legal services should be accessible to those in need. She also actively participates in the Connecticut Bar Association’s Lawyers in Libraries program, providing legal guidance to community members in local libraries. Throughout her career, she has remained guided by the belief that attorneys hold a unique responsibility and power to help others, and she intentionally uses her practice to serve people as much as to build a business.
• Registered Attorney in the State of Connecticut
• Connecticut Notary Public
• Registered Attorney in the State of Massachusetts
• Unconscious Bias
• Registered Patent Attorney
• Suffolk University Law School - JD, Law
• University of Notre Dame - PhD, Organic Chemistry
• Fairfield University - BS, Chemistry
• Fairfield University - B.S., Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration
• American Bar Association
• Connecticut Bar Association
• Connecticut Bar Association's Lawyers in Libraries program
• Booth Hill Elementary School PTA
• Girl Scouts of the USA
• New Covenant Center
• Connecticut Bar Association's Lawyers in Libraries program
• Soup kitchen volunteer (every other month)
• PTA Executive Committee Treasurer
What do you attribute your success to?
I think I've had a lot of good mentors, and I've had a really good support system. My husband went to law school before me, so he kind of knew what I was getting into, and he's been a really great support system for me. He was encouraging and urging me to pursue law school, and having that support made all the difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from one of the people who was mentoring me when I was first starting out. They told me that I'm going to learn from a lot of different people in my career, and that they're each going to have their own different styles. For that time being, I might have to do it exactly like them, but when I get off on my own, I might take a little piece of this and a little piece of that from each one of them. Or maybe I'll learn how not to do it. Eventually, I'll develop my own style by taking what works from different mentors and approaches.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I believe it is important to remain calm, composed, and persistent when entering this industry. You will encounter many individuals who are firmly convinced that their approach is the only correct one or that they are always right; however, it is essential to remain confident in your own abilities and judgment. Just because someone is assertive in their viewpoint does not necessarily mean they are correct. Trusting yourself, staying grounded, and maintaining confidence in your decisions will help you navigate challenges effectively and succeed in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the demanding nature of the work and the misconception that success comes easily once you enter the profession. In reality, the workload can be intense, with long hours, weekends, and ongoing responsibilities that often extend beyond a typical workday. It is essential to recognize the importance of boundaries and self-care, because the work will always be there the next day. I believe it is critical to prioritize personal well-being, manage stress effectively, and avoid the expectation of being available 24/7, 365 days a year. It is also important to choose environments, such as law firms, that value balance and understand that sustainable success depends on supporting the health and well-being of their professionals.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
As an attorney, I recognize that having a law degree and a license comes with a significant responsibility and the ability to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives. For me, the most important value in my work is service using my knowledge and skills to genuinely help others rather than focusing solely on financial gain. While financial stability is necessary, I prioritize making a positive difference and choosing opportunities that allow me to support and advocate for people. Ultimately, I am guided by the belief that my work should reflect integrity, purpose, and a commitment to helping others.
Locations
Daly Law & Strategy
Trumbull, CT 06611