Forty Under 40: Meredith Lowry

Meredith Lowry doesn’t see any limit to what Northwest Arkansas can become.

As one of the area’s leading intellectual property lawyers, Lowry helps inventors, entrepreneurs and companies obtain patent, trademark and copyright protection.

That puts her in an atmosphere that is heavily involved in the area’s startup and emerging company ecosystem.

“I think we can take on Austin, Texas, for being the next tech hub,” Lowry said. “This area is remarkable in the amount of tech growth — everything from biotech to software development. It’s phenomenal.”

A native of Fayetteville, Lowry is one of only 13 women in the state licensed as a patent attorney.

Lowry, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English as well as a law degree from the University of Arkansas, came to Smith Hurst in October to create and build the firm’s intellectual property practice group.

She had spent the previous eight years at Fayetteville firm Keisling & Pieper PLC, making partner in 2010.

Asked about significant achievements thus far in her career, Lowry said: “Every time I help someone is good. It’s hard to say one instance is more important than the other.”

Married with three children, Lowry’s thoughts away from work are centered on science and education, including as a board member for The Foundation of Nerd Advancement, the nonprofit arm of Nerdies.