As a Trainee Patent Attorney at HLK, I am currently completing a compulsory period of practical law training at HLK whilst sitting a series of exams to become dually qualified in the UK and EU.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in this profession?
I was introduced to patent law in secondary school when my science teacher mentioned it during a parent-teacher meeting. “I enjoy science,” I said to my teacher, “but I also like literature and languages.” “Have you considered patent law?” he responded. Years later, as I was set to graduate with a degree in Mathematics and Physics, I would recall his comment.
What were the motivations behind this decision?
During my studies, I conducted research on microrobots at CNRS (the largest fundamental science agency in Europe), explored Quantum Machine Learning at IBM, and created apps in class and at J.P. Morgan, among other technical pursuits. But ultimately, patent law would indeed reveal itself to be the best fit. Patent law satisfies my drive to work on a variety of intellectually challenging and cutting-edge technologies. It speaks to my desire to engage with a diversity of people in the scientific and business realms. And it fulfils the humanist in me who likes to advocate, read, write, and study foreign languages.
Training and experience to become a patent attorney?
I made the firm decision to pursue the path of patent law after taking an online course on intellectual property law, conducting a series of informational interviews with patent attorneys and trainees, and interning at a patent law firm in London for a couple of weeks. To broaden my experience and gain an in-house perspective, I worked for PARC (the Palo Alto Research Center, now part of SRI International) on market and IP analysis and recommendations for early-stage technologies and innovation projects.
Key takeaways from this career path?
I am thrilled that patent law allows me to apply diverse facets of my background, including my technical skills in physics, mathematics and computer science honed during my studies and internships, my business experience gained working on diverse professional teams and projects, and my global perspective and communication skills garnered from living and working in the UK, France and USA.
HLK has provided diverse and enriching learning experiences, including tailored training and support for passing the rigorous CIPA and EPO exams, opportunities to attend industry conferences and pen thought leadership articles, and the chance to work on secondment at Helsing, a security and artificial intelligence startup seeking to protect and serve democracies.
My secondary school science teacher was right after all: patent law is a perfect fit.
