Bijal Vakil, Class of ’96
Bijal Vakil ’96 is a Partner at Skadden in Palo Alto, specializing in intellectual property, technology, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Named California’s Intellectual Property Expert of the Year in 2025, he has advised clients across diverse sectors, including software, AI, fintech, semiconductors, drones, e-commerce, social media, autonomous vehicles, consumer electronics, telecommunications, video games, medical devices, and cryptocurrency.
As a student at King Hall, Vakil contributed to the Journal of International Law and Policy and completed a judicial externship with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena. Vakil has supported UC Davis School of Law as an alum through teaching and establishing a scholarship for first-generation professionals.
What organizations were you involved with during law school and what impact did they have on you?
Working on the Journal of International Law and Policy helped me become more of a global citizen. The experience gave me a valuable international perspective and helped shape my early career in tech. It made me realize the importance of harmonizing laws across different jurisdictions—something that’s especially relevant for the tech companies that must operate consistently across countries.
Why did you choose to attend King Hall?
After attending UCLA, one of the largest undergraduate universities in the country, I wanted a different experience—a smaller, more intimate law school that was friendly and encouraged a diversity of views. King Hall offered that perfect combination.
What is your favorite King Hall memory?
Being terrified of getting called on in my first-year classes! I remember I had so much anxiety around the Socratic method, but in the end, that teaching style has served me well as a lawyer. It taught me how to respond thoughtfully to questions—whether in court, the boardroom, or from regulators—and gave me the confidence to think and speak on my feet.
What advice do you have for current law students?
Be comfortable with the unexpected. The legal profession is constantly evolving, especially in areas like technology law, where there aren’t established rules—think social media, cryptocurrency, or ridesharing. You have to be comfortable giving advice in gray areas. Clients value advisors who can speak frankly and solve problems creatively, even when the answers aren’t clear.
Of what are you proudest?
My proudest moment was earning a full-time judicial externship with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena during law school. King Hall’s support was instrumental in helping me apply for and succeed in that experience. I learned more in that semester than any time in the classroom.
How have you stayed involved with King Hall?
Staying involved with King Hall has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. King Hall taught me the importance of giving back and keeping doors open for those who follow. I’ve returned to teach there, and I also established a scholarship for first-generation professionals. Reviewing the students’ applications and hearing their stories has been deeply meaningful, and I hope to continue to support future generations of students.