Background

I studied Mechanical Engineering at The University of Nottingham from 2020-2025. In 2023-24, I completed an Industrial Year at Airbus within the Wing Design team, supporting work on A330 and A350 wing development. Following this, I returned to university, where I completed my final year research project, which explored hybrid nanoscroll coatings and solid lubricants for high-frequency aerospace components, using graphene nanoplatelets and other nanoparticles across different wear regimes. The project was incredibly useful in bringing together facets of Material Science, Chemistry and Aerospace Engineering.

Outside of academia, in 2024/25, I served as President of University of Nottingham Tennis and had the privilege of leading of one of the largest university sports clubs in the UK.

In September 2025, I joined Abel + Imray as a Trainee Patent Attorney in the Phys/Eng/IT team.

What attracted you to your role?

During my time at university and working in industry, I found that I most enjoyed the parts of engineering that involved articulating complex ideas clearly, whether this was through written reports, design discussions or presentations. Whilst still enjoying the quantitative, numerical parts of my degree, I was keen to explore a career that still drew on my technical background but also relied heavily on precise written and verbal communication and offered an exposure to a wide range of industries and technologies. The career of a patent attorney offered exactly that, and I found that Mechanical Engineering is particularly useful because lots of inventions involve mechanisms, materials or systems, enabling me to support clients across a variety of disciplines.

So far, the role has been as varied and intellectually demanding as I had hoped! I enjoy the stimulating balance between detailed technical analysis and careful written communication, as well as the opportunity to keep learning, both about new inventions and the law that surrounds them. It has also been incredibly rewarding to work closely with experienced attorneys and with a diverse range of clients, from independent inventors to multinational companies.

How did you get your job at Abel + Imray?

Before applying, my exposure to patent law was limited to one lecture on IP rights at university, so this was definitely a new avenue that I was exploring and one that I didn’t have many people to draw experience from. However, I started by researching what the profession involves and the routes into it and learnt some valuable tips from online resources. I applied for the role at Abel + Imray and other IP firms early in the recruitment cycle, which generally involved submitting a CV, cover letter and written responses assessing technical aptitude and motivation. Following my application submission, I was invited by Abel + Imray to a first-stage online interview, followed by an in-person second-stage interview a few weeks later.

What skills are useful in this sector/profession?

Having a genuine interest about technology and how things work is essential, as well as a willingness to continually learn. There is also a lot of reading involved. Patent attorneys need to absorb large amounts of unfamiliar, technical and legal information quickly, often to tight, non-negotiable deadlines set by patent offices, so organisation and attention to detail really matter. Strong communication skills are equally important, both for drafting and for explaining your reasoning clearly to colleagues, clients and patent examiners.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enter the profession?

If you are even slightly curious about the role of a patent attorney, it is really worth exploring! As someone who, not long ago, didn’t know much about the profession, I have found it to be a truly rewarding career with a steep (and ongoing) learning curve! Doing some research before you apply is equally important so that you can be confident that this career is the right fit for you. It is important to be aware that the qualification process does involve exams, but if you enjoy the day-to-day work, that challenge feels much more manageable.

If possible, look for IP-related work experience or insight days to help you understand what the work is really like to make an informed decision. A strong scientific foundation also helps, as does an interest in emerging technologies. Finally, it is important to remember that each firm is different, with different areas of specialism, culture and ways of working, so take the time to research where you can see yourself working and developing before applying.