Christa Brown-Sanford '04

Christa Sanford is a Partner and Chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Baker Botts LLP. Christa has a full-time patent practice, with the ability to advise on a number of different issues – working together with her clients to be a true counselor. With an electrical engineering background and keen business sense, her ability to communicate with anyone, from clients, opposing counsel, inventors, or patent examiners alike, in a clear and digestible way, underscores her commitment to being a true partner at every stage of the process.

In addition to her role as the IP Department Chair, Christa serves on the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the firm’s Executive Committee. Actively involved in the community, Christa is a member of the Charter 100 and Crystal Charity Ball and serves on the boards of Southern Methodist University, SMU's Dedman School of Law, the Baylor Scott & White Foundation, Rice University’s George R. Brown School of Engineering, and New Friends New Life (an organization focused on empowering trafficked women and girls). She recently completed her service as the President for the Junior League of Dallas, during the League's Centennial year. Christa also regularly speaks on patent matters and is an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law.

Christa earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rice University in 2001, and her J.D., cum laude and Order of the Coif, from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004.