Writer’s Block Is Dead: Drew McElligott on AI in Legal Practice

In this episode of IP Innovators, host Steve Brachmann sits down with Drew McElligott, Counsel at Crowell & Moring, to explore what AI actually looks like inside a modern law firm—and why, as McElligott puts it, “writer’s block is pretty much dead.” From litigation and Hatch-Waxman strategy to medical device innovation and firmwide AI rollouts, Drew shares a grounded, practical view of how artificial intelligence is reshaping legal work without replacing legal judgment.

He reflects on AI as a drafting partner—one that turns lawyers into editors rather than first-drafters—while also digging into the realities of trust, training, and governance. From vetting tools for confidential use to comparing AI’s evolution from a “summer associate” to a “fourth-year,” Drew offers a candid look at what’s working, what still needs refinement, and why the genie isn’t going back in the bottle.

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‍About the Guest:‍

Drew McElligott is Counsel at Crowell & Moring, where he focuses on patent and trademark litigation for leading pharmaceutical, medical device, and consumer products companies. He was recognized in The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® – Intellectual Property Law (2021). He has extensive experience in federal court litigation and inter partes reviews before the USPTO. Prior to practicing law, Drew conducted cardiovascular research at Loyola University.

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