Lea Speed

Lea Speed is Of Counsel at Baker Donelson and concentrates her legal practice on patent litigation. A registered patent attorney, she represents clients in federal courts nationwide, including the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and the International Trade Commission.

Lea earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi in 1998. She also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, both from Mississippi State University. This diverse academic background strengthens her ability to understand and litigate complex technical issues.

With extensive experience across numerous industries, Lea has handled patent matters involving medical and dental technologies, telecommunications, aerospace, agriculture, consumer products, software, and more. Her deep technical insight allows her to effectively advocate for clients across a broad spectrum of intellectual property disputes.

In addition to her litigation work, Lea provides counsel on royalty negotiations, patent licenses, and freedom-to-operate analyses. She also advises on patent assignments, design-around strategies, and litigation avoidance—offering clients a full range of patent-related legal services.

Lea Speed has held numerous leadership roles in professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and the Tennessee and Mississippi Bar Associations. She has been recognized in Mid-South Super Lawyers for Intellectual Property Litigation and has contributed extensively through writing, speaking, and bar service.

With her legal knowledge, technical expertise, and proven record in high-stakes patent disputes, Lea is a trusted advocate for clients facing complex intellectual property challenges. She continues to deliver strategic, results-driven legal solutions to protect innovation and competitive advantage.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
• Former Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, Tennessee Bar Association, Executive Council of the Intellectual Property Section
• Former Chair, Tennessee Bar Association, Patent Bar Committee
• Former Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary, Mississippi Bar Association, Executive Committee of the Intellectual Property Section
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association Leadership Law, Class of 2004
• Former Board Member, Tennessee Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
• Former Member, Tennessee Bar Association, CLE Committee for the Young Lawyers Division
• Member, American Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, Tennessee Intellectual Property Law Association
• Member, American Bar Association, Intellectual Property section
• Member, Mississippi Bar Associations, Intellectual Property section
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association, Intellectual Property section
• Member, Memphis Bar Associations, Intellectual Property section
• Member, Association of Women Attorneys

Licensed State

Education

• University of Mississippi
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Mississippi State University
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Mississippi State University
  BS in Aerospace Engineering

Awards & Badges