We have the privilege of having a team of two guest speakers from Electronics Arts Inc. with us this week.
Electronics Arts Inc. was incorporated in 1982. EA was a pioneer in the development of home video games. EA is an international company with numerous locations in Canada, including Vancouver. EA develops and publishes games under several labels including EA Sports titles, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, NHL, NCAA Football, SSX and NBA Jam. In recent news, their website announced (March 20, 2013) the launch of “Yogify”, a new yoga app created by EA Sports.
Anoop Desai, Director of Business Affairs for Electronic Arts Inc.
After graduating from UBC with a B.Comm (Finance), Anoop obtained his law degree from the University of Calgary before returning to Vancouver to practice at AHB&L LLP in the areas of general corporate commercial, M&A, securities and intellectual properties law. As Director of Business Affairs, Anoop architects and negotiates a variety of development, digital distribution and publishing partnerships for current and emerging platforms.
FUN FACT: Google search results of ‘Anoop Desai’ notwithstanding, Anoop was never on American Idol.
Brian Dartnell, Senior Counsel at Electronics Arts Inc.
Brian graduated from Osgood Hall Law School in 1996. He completed a Judicial Clerkship at the British Columbia Court of Appeal from 1996-1997. He articled at Owen Bird and was called to the Bar in British Columbia 1998. Brian then worked as associate at Owen Bird, practicing in general corporate commercial litigation from 1998-2000. He as an Associate at Gowling Lafleur Henderson, where he practiced labour and employment law from 2000-2005.
Brian’s role as Senior Counsel at EA:
Brian is responsible for the oversight and delivery of legal services to the Canadian based EA development studios. Responsible for the management of the Canadian Legal team which includes lawyers, para-legals, immigration specialists and administrative assistants.
FUN FACT: Brian has completed 5 Ironman races in the last 6 years.
For more information, take a look at the following:
2010 Canadian Lawyer Magazine article. The link is: http://www.canadianlawyermag.com/Hes-in-the-game.html
Lawyers Weekly Article, “Gaming Paradise”. The link is: http://www.lawyersweekly-digital.com/lawyersweekly/ic2011fall?pg=30#pg30
I took the EA campus tour last year and got really excited about the possibility of being able to work there, but was discouraged by the fact that the Canadian campus only has 3 lawyers on staff. It was relieving to hear Mr. Desai say that there are a number of non-practicing JDs on staff as well. I don’t think I could imagine a cooler place to work. Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to go see it yet should definitely sign up for the next tour.