I fell into the profession purely by chance. Having risen through the ranks of Private Secretary / Personal Assistant to various company chairmen, I needed something different and entered the world of computers and databases. After several years, I was offered a job with a pharmaceutical company implementing a new database. On my first day I discovered this was an Intellectual Property (IP) records system, for which it was necessary to write all the required formalities! I knew nothing of IP law, so I had a crash course in patents and formalities.

I sat the CIPA Administrators’ examination (the precursor to their current paralegals’ qualifying exam) and passed with distinction. That was over twenty years ago, and I still enjoy every aspect of my career. The role requires an eye for detail and a great deal of concentration to ensure dates are calculated correctly in an extremely busy environment, but there is a huge sense of achievement. I am not sure why I get so excited when filing multiple patent applications in one day and they receive consecutive numbers!

With retirement just around the corner, 2024 is my final year as Primary Examiner for the CIPA paralegals’ exam. It has been a pleasure seeing paralegals studying, passing their exams and moving from strength to strength in their roles. I am a past Chair of the CIPA Paralegals’ Committee, and gained valuable experience attending CIPA Council meetings, organising the annual Paralegals’ Conference and assisting in the paralegal exams and seminars. There are so many opportunities that my only regret is that I didn’t come to the profession earlier.

Senior IP Paralegal / Edwards Limited

Last Updated: October 30, 2024