How did you get into the profession?
My journey into the profession began with a chance encounter with a patent attorney whilst I was on holiday. I’d already decided that I wanted to pursue a technically oriented career that would draw upon my scientific background, but I felt that academia wasn’t for me. Upon learning more about what a patent attorney does, the profession seemed like a perfect fit – using my degree to understand client’s next-gen tech in combination with the commercial and legal aspects of the role felt very compelling.
Your main roles and responsibilities
They are many and varied. A reasonable portion of my time is spent prosecuting client’s patent applications at patent offices all around the world – this work really helps to hone my understanding of legal concepts and tighten my communication skills. In addition, I’m often involved in drafting patent applications, helping with freedom-to-operate assessments or assisting with post-grant proceedings (such as oppositions and appeals at the EPO). I’m also involved in some of R&G’s design work – this brings interesting variety to my developing practice.
What drew you to R&G
R&G stands out in many areas, with a particular emphasis on training. The ‘bootcamp’ put on for the first two weeks of trainees’ new roles is a unique and extremely useful introduction into the core background of the profession. I think this scheme demonstrates how much care R&G puts into developing trainees, and this continues with weekly training sessions covering a range of different case-based scenarios for a trainees’ first year. I’ve found that this has put me in good stead for my first round of UK and European foundation exams, which I sat at the beginning of this year.
Another large factor – which may sound cliché but is true – is the culture. I picked up on a friendly an open environment during my interview process which attracted me towards the company. I’m glad to say this same feeling has very much persisted during my (almost) two years at the firm.
Life at the firm so far…
In the early stages, trainees tend to work closely with their managing partner. However, we quickly receive more trust and responsibility and it’s not long before we receive a range of different work from partners and associates across the firm. By volunteering for cases that suit my technical background, I have been able to work on several cases that align with my interests.
As I develop further, I find myself in more and more client facing scenarios, such as joining calls with new inventors and helping to advise clients on prosecution strategy.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to socialise, both within the firm and also within the industry at large – during my first year I was in the organising committee for the CIPA ball which was a great way to meet other trainees.
It’s fair to say that the role comes with a steep learning curve, but it’s one which you are supported along by a broad range of friendly faces who’ve been through it before you.
