Las Vegas, NV
The legal landscape in Southern Nevada is experiencing a shift toward inclusivity, innovation, and empowerment with the election of Eric N. Kohli as President of the South Asian Bar Association of Las Vegas (SABA-LV). A distinguished attorney with over 25 years of experience, Kohli’s rise to this position is a testament to his professional accomplishments and an inspiring story of perseverance, community commitment, and unwavering advocacy for diversity in law.
Kohli’s appointment is more than a ceremonial role; it is a call to action. With a deep-rooted belief in mentorship, access to justice, and representation, Kohli is poised to bring transformative change to SABA-LV and the broader legal community in Las Vegas. His journey from a 17-year-old immigrant arriving alone in the United States to a notable intellectual property attorney and legal community leader is remarkable and motivating.
From Engineering to Law: A Unique Journey
Born in South Asia, Eric Kohli immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager and independently funded his education through determination, grit, and perseverence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, followed by a Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. This fusion of technical and legal education laid the foundation for his expertise in intellectual property law, where grappling with complex technologies is key to delivering sound legal strategy.
Today, Kohli is regarded as a trusted expert in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters. His ability to condense highly technical concepts into practical legal strategies has made him a sought-after advisor for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups and solo entrepreneurs.
Legal Excellence Across Multiple Jurisdictions
Eric Kohli is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Missouri, and Nevada, and is also admitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. His diverse legal portfolio includes experience in intellectual property litigation, licensing, and strategic IP portfolio management. He has successfully advised on high-stakes litigation and complex business transactions, serving clients in sectors such as technology, gaming, and healthcare.
Beyond IP, Kohli has also established himself in gaming law, government relations, and regulatory counseling. His strategic counsel and multidisciplinary expertise make him a versatile force in law.
New Leadership for SABA-LV: A Vision Rooted in Impact
Eric Kohli’s election as President of SABA-LV follows years of dedicated service to the organization, including his previous role as Director. Under his leadership, the organization has already achieved measurable impact by raising more than $72,000 in scholarships and grants for minority law students. Kohli’s fundraising efforts have enabled aspiring attorneys from underserved backgrounds to pursue their legal education without being shackled by financial obstacles.
“SABA-LV plays a vital role in promoting diversity within the legal profession and advocating for the rights of the South Asian community,” Kohli said. “I am deeply honored to serve as President and look forward to building on the momentum we’ve already created.”
As President, Kohli plans to implement several bold initiatives:
- Expanding mentorship programs to connect young attorneys and law students with seasoned professionals.
- Partnering with local law schools and legal aid organizations to provide community legal services.
- Launching workshops and seminars focused on professional development and legal literacy.
- Creating pathways for greater South Asian representation in judicial appointments and leadership roles within the Nevada legal community.
Championing Pro Bono and Public Service
Kohli’s leadership extends beyond boardrooms and courtrooms. His dedication to public service has been recognized by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada (“LACSN”), which named him a member of its 2022 Honor Club for his pro bono work. He continues to serve as a pro bono CAP attorney for the LACSN, helping give unrepresented children a voice. His advocacy work is driven by lived experience having navigated the challenges of immigration, self-funding education, and breaking into a highly competitive legal field. Kohli understands the importance of leveling the playing field.
His belief in justice and equity leads him to support legal clinics and community workshops aimed at providing legal aid to low-income populations. For Kohli, community service is a passion.
A Mentor First, A Leader Always
Eric Kohli is not just known for his legal skills—he is also respected as a mentor and for his inclusive leadership style. Colleagues and mentees describe him as approachable, inspiring, and deeply invested in the success of others. Whether he is supporting a law student through their first internship interview or advising a young lawyer on navigating a new firm, Kohli leads by example.
Kohli’s mentoring initiatives at SABA-LV have helped cultivate the next generation of diverse legal professionals in Las Vegas. His vision is to establish a pipeline from law school to success for South Asian and other underrepresented attorneys.
A Personal Philosophy of Curiosity and Balance
Beyond his legal and community endeavors, Kohli embraces a well-rounded life. He is an avid scuba diver and world traveler, experiences that reflect his love for exploration and curiosity. A self-described foodie, he finds joy in discovering new cuisines and connecting with people through shared experiences. These personal passions mirror his professional values: open-mindedness, continued learning, and a genuine love for people.
A New Partnership: Strategic Growth on the Horizon
In addition to his appointment as President of SABA-LV, Kohli is in the process of forming a new strategic partnership that will expand his professional practice and amplify his community impact. While details of this partnership will be formally announced shortly, it is expected to enhance legal services and open new pathways for community-based initiatives.
This new partnership will align with Kohli’s broader goal of combining legal excellence with purpose-driven leadership. By bringing together a multidisciplinary team, Kohli aims to tackle pressing legal challenges facing Nevada’s businesses and underserved communities, from intellectual property theft to regulatory compliance and equal access to justice.
An Inspirational Figure for a New Generation
Eric Kohli’s story is a powerful reminder that success is not determined by where you start, but by what you build along the way. For young South Asian attorneys and law students, his leadership is tangible proof that barriers can be broken and new standards can be set.
Under Kohli’s presidency, SABA-LV is expected to contribute as a model by blending strategic programming with heartfelt community engagement. His presidency is a transformative opportunity to shape the future of affinity organizations in Nevada and beyond.
About Eric Kohli
Eric N. Kohli is a seasoned attorney with more than 25 years of experience in intellectual property law, litigation, gaming, regulatory matters, and government relations. He is the President of the South Asian Bar Association of Las Vegas and a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion. Kohli is recognized for his pro bono services and is a speaker and mentor in the legal community.
Contact:
South Asian Bar Association of Las Vegas
800 N. Rainbow Blvd, Suite 208, Las Vegas, Nevada 89107
SabaLasVegas@gmail.com
www.SabaLasVegas.com
LinkedIn.com/company/SabaLV