Dr. Kelly Hollowell, a patent attorney and scientist with a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular pharmacology, has joined Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP as a partner in the firm's intellectual property group.

Hollowell previously practiced in the Virginia Beach, Va., office of Williams Mullen P.C.

Hollowell's practice will focus on trademark prosecution, patent prosecution, and patent litigation and will include intellectual property management and licensing for domestic and international manufacturing, healthcare, and technology companies.

"Kelly's unique background as an innovative legal, scientific and technology advisor makes her a significant addition — not just to our intellectual property team but to our entire firm," Waller Lansden chairman John Tishler said in a release.

For three consecutive years, Hollowell was appointed to the Joint Subcommittee Studying Stem Cell Research and Medical Ethics for the Virginia General Assembly. She is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, American Health Lawyers Association, American Association for the Advancement of Science and the United States Patent Bar.

Hollowell received her B.A. in biology and mathematics from the University of South Florida, her Ph.D. in molecular and cellular pharmacology from the University of Miami School of Medicine and her J.D. from Regent University Law School.