Jon J. Lee

Professor Jon J. Lee is a recognized scholar in both legal ethics and intellectual property law.  Within the field of legal ethics, Professor Lee examines the extent to which lawyer codes and disciplinary procedures promote ethical practice and protect the public.  His work in intellectual property law explores the outer limits of trademark protection and the lawyer’s role in trademark prosecution.  Professor Lee recently received the Frederick C. Zacharias Memorial Prize for Scholarship in Professional Responsibility, which is awarded annually for the outstanding article in the field.  He also was appointed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners to serve as its Distinguished Scholar in Residence, with a special focus on spearheading the development and implementation of the NextGen bar examination.

Professor Lee graduated first in his class from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was a member of the North Carolina Law Review and inducted into the Order of the Coif. He then clerked for The Honorable Roger L. Gregory of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and was an officer in the North Carolina Army National Guard.

Prior to his arrival at Maine Law, Professor Lee was on the faculties of the University of Oklahoma College of Law and the University of Minnesota Law School.  He began his teaching career at the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he also served as the Associate Dean for Administration and Assistant Dean for Academic Excellence.

In 2022, Professor Lee received the Stanley V. Kinyon Teacher of the Year Award from the University of Minnesota Law School.  He also received the Robert G. Byrd Award for Excellence and Creativity in Teaching from the UNC School of Law and the Pro Bono Publico Faculty Award for his efforts to provide legal services to vulnerable populations.  His national service includes work with the National Conference of Bar Examiners and Law School Admissions Council.