I started my working life in the post room at a leading city law firm, having left school with very average GCSE grades and no clear career aspirations or direction. Over several years, I gained what was at the time an unorthodox promotion into the Intellectual Property department as a junior paralegal and after creating a positive impression, the firm agreed to sponsor me to qualify as a Legal Executive, studying and attending classes on a part-time basis in between my working commitments.

This then evolved into showing a willingness to take on more challenging legal work as a litigation paralegal – after lugging trollies and setting up court week after week, updating bundles in chambers and so on, the desire to become even more involved grew and I offered to take on discrete legal drafting from time to time which caught the attention of others. I was then offered the opportunity to sit the GDL and LPC to qualify as a solicitor within the IP team, which came to fruition in 2015 when I qualified (with commendation) after nearly 15 years of part-time study in between work. I am now nearly 10 years qualified at CMS and work with some of the biggest companies and brands in the world, leading teams in protecting and enforcing their IP. It feels a privilege to have gained the knowledge and experience that enables me to add significant value to our clients’ businesses, including by advising on their use and exploitation of intellectual property.

I have worked in the IP sector for nearly 25 years in various capacities and I understand the challenges that are faced when attempting to progress and fulfil your ambitions, often against the odds. I am from South London, my dad is a black-cab driver, and I have a fairly strong London accent (setting the scene as a typical working class family). Working my way up the ranks, I sometimes had a feeling of imposter syndrome: my contemporaries had lots in common with each other – similar middle class backgrounds, educations and posher accents. Consequently, I often felt out of touch (do I belong here?). Whilst I was blessed to have worked with genuine and great individuals in the IP world who helped me to get where I am today, I know what it feels like to be in a minority (in any setting) and how that can result in a feeling of isolation (and with some unconscious bias thrown into the mix). The issue here is it causes some people to draw back, not express themselves fully, and not realise their full potential (I have been in that situation many times over the years!). I therefore say this as a source of encouragement to those reading this who have the desire to succeed and just need a push in the right direction. The anticipation of taking the next step is the worst part – the reality and the aftermath are always much better and rewarding. In my experience, most people appreciate your hard work and desire to succeed.

The IP profession is more inclusive than ever before with a variety of fulfilling roles for legally qualified and non-qualified individuals in London and the regions – reflecting the variety of people we work alongside within our clients. I hope my experience will encourage those who want to take a positive step along their chosen career path to do so with confidence.

Senior Associate (Intellectual Property) / CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP

Last Updated: August 7, 2025