Monica Ortel
About Monica Ortel
Monica Ortel serves as the Deputy General Counsel at Protocol Labs, where she has worked since 2024. She holds a Juris Doctor from UCLA and a BSE in Biomedical Engineering, and has experience in patent law and various technology sectors.
Current Role at Protocol Labs
Monica Ortel serves as the Deputy General Counsel at Protocol Labs, a position she has held since 2024. In this role, she oversees legal matters and provides guidance on various aspects of the company's operations. Her extensive background in law and technology positions her to address the unique legal challenges faced by Protocol Labs, particularly in the realms of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and web3 technologies.
Previous Experience at Protocol Labs
Prior to her current role, Monica Ortel held multiple positions at Protocol Labs. She worked as Counsel from 2021 to 2022 and then as Senior Counsel from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, she served as Associate General Counsel for a brief period in 2023. Her tenure at Protocol Labs allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the legal landscape surrounding emerging technologies.
Education and Expertise
Monica Ortel earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law from 2014 to 2017. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University, where she focused on polymeric biomaterials and drug delivery. Her engineering background complements her legal expertise, particularly in patent law, as she is a USPTO-registered patent attorney.
Legal Career Background
Monica Ortel began her legal career at Ropes & Gray LLP, where she worked as an Associate from 2017 to 2021. She also completed a Summer Associate position at the firm in 2016. Her experience includes representing clients in various legal matters, including federal district court litigation and patent prosecution. She has worked with clients across multiple industries, including medical devices and telecommunications.
Technical Skills and Interests
Monica Ortel possesses technical skills in MATLAB and Java, acquired during her engineering studies. Her interests extend beyond her professional work; she enjoys photography, mixology, traveling, attending concerts, playing the flute, and learning Blender. These activities reflect her diverse interests and commitment to continuous learning.