{1} The role of the Technology Lawyer is to serve as advocate in the Technology Transaction. Understanding client needs and their respective roles in the industry is critical. These parties include Technology developers, distributors, resellers, agents, manufacturers and inventors as well as users and integrators.

{2} The Technology Lawyer must also understand the legal tools available for advancing client interests. A solid foundation in patents, copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks is an obvious requirement. Less obvious, but equally critical, is an understanding of contracts, business transactions and sales as well as the traditional areas of labor law, tax, antitrust and torts. The legal needs of the Technology enterprise cross the full spectrum of traditional practice areas.

{3} But understanding your client, the law and the industry is still not enough. You must integrate these perspectives into positions which support your client interests in the context of contract negotiations, litigation or commercial transactions. The practice of technology law materializes from the art of integrating these various dimensions to achieve advocacy.

{4} The commitment of The University of Florida College of Law to the development of an intellectual property program during the last academic year represents a significant milestone for the law school, as well as members of The Florida Bar. This program advances the interests of both the legal profession and the Technology Industry by teaching lawyers about the law and the industry, and providing an opportunity to develop the integration skills so critical for effective advocacy.

{5} The Journal of Technology Law & Policy is part of this Program and serves the interests of students, faculty and practitioners by focusing on key legal issues facing the industry. The Journal is sponsored by the Computer Law Committee of the Law School and provides a forum for students to share their scholarship on the legal challenges facing the technology industry. This issue discusses the impact of the internet and focuses on policy as well as legal questions.

{6} I encourage you to be a part of this Program by reading the Journal and forwarding your comments to the Computer Law Committee. Through collaboration we can all achieve better advocacy skills and serve the legal profession as well as the technology industry more competently.