I studied chemistry at the University of Sheffield, and despite finding a year in industry at a pharmaceutical company fulfilling, after my Masters degree I landed on pursuing a PhD. I went to the University of Leeds for my PhD in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (DTC TERM). This had much more of a biotechnology focus, so I quickly learnt how to straddle different subject matters, and that I had a knack for it.

I enjoyed a lot of aspects of the PhD, but after 3.5 years of pipetting, cell culture and the daily fear of all my cells becoming infected, I decided I needed to transition out of the lab. I wanted to be able to utilise some of the scientific skills from my PhD, “staying in science”, but in a non-laboratory-based role. I was lucky enough to get some great career coaching as part of my PhD program, and came across “Patent Attorney” as an interesting-sounding career path.

I attended an open day at Mewburn Ellis’s Manchester office and a 3-day work placement programme at Appleyard Lees in Leeds, which gave me a good introduction to the profession. I applied for a few trainee positions, and was just lucky enough that HGF were looking for a life sciences trainee in their York office. I was particularly happy to be able to stay in Yorkshire; I didn’t grow up here, but it is my spiritual home since moving here aged 18.

Now, I work as a UK and European patent attorney handling a wide variety of subject matter. I specialise in biotechnology, but I also have experience working with chemical and more general, ie mechanical subject matter. After 2 years at HGF, I worked at TLIP Ltd (a small boutique-type firm) for 5 years before their acquisition by Murgitroyd in December 2022. I still work at Murgitroyd, so have spent time at both small and larger firms.

I really enjoy the job, particularly the wide variety of different work and options for growth/development available. The career is a great option for people interested in cutting edge science, who enjoy contact with inventors and getting into the weeds of the science. I am proud to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I went to a state school, and am based out of London, so am always keen to promote and widen accessibility to the profession. I am part of my firm’s dedicated ED&I (equality, diversity and inclusion) group, sit on the IP Inclusive Advisory Board, am a Careers in Ideas mentor and am involved in the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) “buddy” scheme.

Patent Attorney / Murgitroyd

Last Updated: November 7, 2024