A&S alumni spotlight: Deborah Hampton

Deborah Hampton was familiar with the University of Cincinnat growing up because her family spent summers in Cincinnati visiting family.

Hampton was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and lived there until her family relocated to Staten Island, New York, when she was in the sixth grade and stayed through high school.

Hampton wanted to attend UC because of its highly regarded law school. She graduated from UC's College of Arts and Sciences in 1981 with a degree in political science. While at UC, Hampton was an active student, balancing her academic pursuits with leadership roles in campus organizations. Her decision to pursue political science stemmed from her deep interest in law and public service.

One of Hampton's favorite memories at UC includes pledging the Zeta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she was initiated on May 10, 1980. Her passion for the sorority and her sisters has only deepened, and she continues to serve on the executive board for the State of Delaware. Another cherished memory is watching her son, Tristan, graduate from UC in 2012.

After college, Hampton returned to New York and began working as a receptionist in the paralegal department of a law firm. Her supervisor encouraged her to earn a paralegal certificate, which she did, specializing in intellectual property.

More than 40 years after graduating, Hampton has reconnected to her alma mater. As an active member of the A&S Alumni Board, she is dedicated to fostering a vibrant alumni network and often serves as a mentor and speaker to students, sharing her career insights and encouraging future generations of political science majors.

 Below, Hampton shares how UC and A&S have made an indelible mark on her life.

A: I have been fortunate to receive several notable recognitions over the years. “The World Trademark Review,” one of the premier publications for the trademark industry, began soliciting nominations for the top 300 corporate trademark professionals in the world in 2017. I have been nominated for and awarded this distinction eight times. The magazine also recognizes WTR Global Leaders. I have had the privilege of being selected every year since its inception.

Another milestone was being nominated and selected by the U.S. Secretary of State to serve on the U.S. Patent Trademark Public Advisory Committee for two terms.

Ironically, during my first term, the other two appointees were also affiliated with UC — one managed the intellectual property and licensing program for UC and the other attended UC’s law school.

Another significant accomplishment is being nominated to serve as an officer for the International Trademark Association. I’ve been a member of the association since 1983 and on the executive committee since 2021. Through the years, I’ve held several leadership roles in the organization. I am proud of my work, especially my advocacy on behalf of paralegals. I was honored and humbled to become the first African American officer and the second non-attorney, but the first to serve with an American Bar Association-approved paralegal certificate. I am now the president-elect for 2025, and will be president in 2026.

Finally, this year I was asked to participate on a panel at the European Trademark Association’s annual conference in Antwerp, Belgium. The organization rarely invites speakers from America, so being asked to present was a career highlight for me.