“I have always preferred maths and science to languages, arts and humanities. But after taking Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths, I felt I didn’t want to do a straight Science or Maths degree, and so Engineering seemed the obvious choice. I was also completely fascinated by aeroplanes (still am!) so Aeronautical Engineering called my name!
At the end of my 4 year Master’s degree, I wanted to do something more than pure technical work and so was looking for a way to combine my Engineering degree with something else. After filling in a careers survey, “patent attorney” popped up as a potential career option and the more I looked into it, the more it appealed to me.
The combination of the technical nature of the work, the complicated legal framework and the commercial aspects have, to me, made this a really interesting field to work in. One of my favourite aspects of the job is seeing the ideas my clients have come up with and working out the differences and advantages over what has been done before, in order to protect the clever features. I won’t deny that the training is tough but, once qualified, it is so satisfying to be able to use the patent system to protect my clients’ technology and help their businesses to grow.
At the beginning of 2015, I was made a partner at Abel & Imray and I love that I can continue to do patent work, whilst also helping to steer our business. One role I have is leading our Diversity and Inclusivity group, which involves looking into the ways in which we can improve the diversity of the firm. I also enjoy being involved with IP Inclusive, a voluntary organisation helping to improve diversity and inclusivity throughout the IP professions.”
Patent Attorney & Partner / Abel & Imray / London & Bath