Brandon Helms
Brandon Helms
Class Year
’04
Current home
Detroit, Michigan
Major(s)
Chemistry
Current Position
Partner at AddyHart P.C.
After graduating from Carthage, Brandon Helms ’04 completed law school and then spent eight years representing the United States in criminal prosecutions and civil litigation.
Mr. Helms is now a partner at AddyHart P.C., where he represents companies in intellectual property disputes and commercial litigation, both on the plaintiff side and the defense side. He also handles appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“Being able to help people and companies achieve their objectives and enforce their rights.”
How has your liberal arts education benefitted you?
“During my freshman year, I took a class with Professor Julio Rivera that significantly altered my outlook on a number of political and social issues. I regularly think about that class and how my values have shifted since my time at Carthage.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of its size, reputation, cost, and location.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“Having small classes, professors who cared and took an interest in me, and a small campus helped me succeed in college when my study habits and priorities were not ideal, and helped prepare me for law school in a big city. I also joined a fraternity in which I made great friends. Carthage was a great place to try new things and learn more about myself in a safe environment.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“The chemistry faculty were all fantastic! Professors Julio Rivera, Christine Rener, Chris Blaine, Kevin Morris, and Tim Eckert, as well as physics professor Kevin Crosby, were all engaging, caring, and interested instructors.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“It’s okay not to know right away what you want to do with your life. When I started at Carthage, I majored in chemistry and minored in biology with the intention of one day going to med school. But I quickly realized that I did not enjoy biology nor the memorization required for medical school. I loved chemistry but learned that I had no interest in becoming a bench chemist, and I was not excited at the idea of seeking a Ph.D. Ultimately, I realized that my love of writing and debating would work well in law school and that I could use my science background in patent litigation.”