Life seldom offers certainties, but occasionally, a single decision alters the trajectory of everything that follows. This is the story of Gregory E. Moore, whose pivotal choice between two different futures during his senior year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology would lead to a distinguished career spanning decades in corporate and intellectual property law, as highlighted by his recent recognition from the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who.
From Astrophysics to the Law: The Crossroads of a Career
Mr. Moore’s academic journey began with a deep fascination for the cosmos. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics, immersing himself in the fundamental laws that govern the universe. However, as his senior year approached in 1973, Mr. Moore faced an unexpected dilemma that would define his professional future.
He shares, “I was a senior at MIT when I found myself torn between two futures, applying to both law schools and physics graduate programs, remaining uncertain until the very last moment.”
Mr. Moore did not lose sight of the weight of this decision, aware that each path would lead to different careers and societal contributions. While physics offered the allure of scientific discovery and research, law presented opportunities to directly impact businesses, individuals and society as a whole.
The resolution came from an unexpected source, Mr. Moore’s mother-in-law, who recognized qualities in him that he had not noticed before. “My wife’s mother saw something in me that I wasn’t entirely sure was there,” Mr. Moore mentions. “She believed I would become a strong lawyer, and her confidence, in many ways, gave me the courage to make a leap I might not have made otherwise.”
In 1976, Mr. Moore graduated from Harvard Law School. He focused on corporate, finance and securities law, which allowed him to combine analytical thinking with practical problem-solving skills.
Mr. Moore often references this turning point as one of self-realization and humility. “Looking back, I recognize that being open to influence—listening deeply to the wisdom of others—has been one of my greatest strengths,” he observes.
Mastering Independence: Building a Career as a Solo Practitioner
In his final year at Harvard, Mr. Moore met a professor in the applied mathematics department who was an expert on science policy and encouraged him to begin consulting. This led to him contributing to a major project managed by the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, in which a panel of eminent individuals convened to study the health of R&D establishments in the U.S. In this capacity, Mr. Moore engaged in numerous activities, which included attending hearings and traveling all over the U.S.
Mr. Moore’s career history also includes stints in the real estate, labor and corporate law industries. He has always been interested in bankruptcy and antitrust, so he specialized in these areas.
Armed with his Harvard credentials and a scientist’s eye for detail, Mr. Moore honed his legal expertise at established firms like Ropes & Gray LLP, where he worked in corporate law from 1985 to 2011 before forging his own path. In 2011, he established K Square Law, a solo legal practice specializing in corporate and intellectual property law.
Running an independent practice has allowed Mr. Moore to maintain complete control over his professional approach while providing personalized attention to clients. He can focus entirely on his legal expertise without the complexities and overhead costs associated with managing a large staff.
This personalized approach has become a defining characteristic of Mr. Moore’s practice, allowing him to build lasting relationships with clients while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing legal environments.
Specializing in corporate and intellectual property law, Mr. Moore uses his technical background from MIT and his comprehensive legal education from Harvard. This unique background positions him to understand complex technological and business concepts that often arise in intellectual property matters and to guide businesses through intricate regulatory and transactional challenges.
The Impact of A Pivotal Decision
Underpinning Mr. Moore’s professional decisions are deeply held principles: integrity, service, and a commitment to continual learning. These values not only guide his legal dealings but also his contributions to education and civic life.
Mr. Moore has given back to the community through roles that provided opportunities for stewardship and mentorship. He served as a board member and treasurer of the Lexington Montessori School from 2004 to 2009, lending his financial stewardship to the educational institution. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he was a member of the MIT Corporation from 2003 to 2008 and served on its development committee for nearly a quarter-century before becoming an emeritus member.
Mr. Moore also mentored aspiring lawyers as an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire School of Law (formerly the Franklin Pierce Law Center) in 2014, highlighting his dedication to nurturing future generations of legal professionals.
Mr. Moore’s recognition by Marquis Who’s Who underscores his holistic approach to professional excellence, which encompasses technical expertise, client service and civic responsibility. The honor reflects a career built on the principle that professional success should be measured not just by individual achievement but by the positive impact one has on institutions and communities.
Principles, Legacy and Life Beyond The Law
With decades in the industry, Mr. Moore acknowledges that change is constant: “There is always something new. If there’s anything that has got people’s attention, it’s artificial intelligence (AI). Everybody’s trying to figure out what to do about it. This is why learning continues. Whether in law, banking, or technology, learning must always be there.”
In his personal life, Mr. Moore enjoys skiing, golfing, scuba diving, reading, traveling and attending the opera. He cherishes time with his family, which includes his wife, a molecular biologist, and his daughter, a former investment banker.
Mr. Moore also maintains involvement with cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera and Boston Lyric Opera while lending his support to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology through various initiatives.
When asked about his advice to aspiring lawyers, Mr. Moore says, “Listen more than you talk.” He notes that lawyers also need to know how to read very carefully. He concludes, “Success requires hard work. There’s just no getting around that. I worked hard, particularly in my younger days. Take personal risks. Try something new. Do something different. Those are the principal things I say.”
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
