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Feature Friday
What is your current role and what are your main responsibilities?
I am a recent law school graduate and newly admitted attorney in New York. While seeking an opportunity that aligns with my interests at the intersection of business and law, I am actively developing my practical skills by working on matters related to intellectual property, corporate, commercial, and contract law.
Please share a brief overview of your career path and how you got to where you are today, including what inspired you to pursue a career in law.
I’m a first-generation everything: Serbian-American and attorney. Being a child of immigrants, I’ve always had a nonconformist spirit, seeking to stand out from the crowd and never following trends, because I valued individuality over blending in. This mindset fostered my appreciation for innovation, attention to detail, and creativity, which naturally led me to intellectual property law. I was also intrigued by the law because no one in my family had pursued it before, and I have always been a curious person, drawn to understanding how rules shape society and influence people’s lives. These qualities, combined with my interest in business, sparked my desire to work at the intersection of IP, business, and legal affairs—ideally within the media, entertainment, or fashion industries.
Who has had the greatest influence on your professional development, and how?
My parents have had the greatest influence on my professional development. As immigrants from Serbia, they showed me firsthand what determination, perseverance, and resilience truly mean. My mom, a medical doctor and educator, and my dad, an engineer and businessman who holds two master’s degrees, instilled in me the belief that education is one of your most important assets. Their work ethic, sacrifices, and commitment to building a better future have shaped the discipline, motivation, and respect for learning that continue to guide me throughout my legal career.
Mina Milinkovic
Attorney
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Resilient, dedicated, and enduring—traits that all revolve around stamina. And as I like to say, you can’t spell stamina without Mina.
What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in the legal profession?
The ability to communicate clearly, adaptability, and continuous learning are essential, as the law is constantly evolving. Being bilingual and bicultural enhances my perceptiveness, allowing me to understand diverse perspectives and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds—skills that are invaluable in the legal field.
What are some of your most significant professional achievements?
One of my most significant professional achievements was organizing and hosting the Third Annual Intellectual Property Law Society × Media, Entertainment, & Fashion Law Association Symposium at New York Law School. Featuring CLE-accredited panels and a compelling keynote by TED Conferences’ General Counsel on the future of legal education in an AI-driven world, the symposium highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation while exploring the vital intersection of law and creativity. The event brought together legal professionals, students, and industry leaders to share insights, foster connections, and discuss emerging trends in intellectual property, media, entertainment, and fashion law. Coordinating such a multifaceted event not only strengthened my organizational and leadership skills but also reinforced my passion for bridging law with creative industries.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
My dad has always told me to “keep your highs and lows close together.” That advice has stayed with me and reminds me to stay grounded during successes, strong during challenges, and steady no matter the circumstances.
What do you hope to get out of the Serbian Attorney Association in 2026?
Serbia is a small, but mighty, country, and as members of the Serbian legal diaspora, I believe it’s especially important that we support one another in a big and often overwhelming world. In 2026, I hope to continue building meaningful connections within the Association, strengthen our sense of community, and be part of a network where we truly show up for one another—professionally and personally—while sharing knowledge and experiences across borders.
Feature Friday
