Why did you choose a job in this profession?

During my research doctorate, I realised that although I loved science, I did not want to spend my career working in a laboratory focussing on fairly narrow problems with limited real-world impact. I first considered the patent attorney profession after attending an IP careers talk hosted by my university. I was excited by the work described and felt that the required skills aligned well with my strengths. Following the talk, I learnt more about the profession through online resources, podcasts and conversations with patent attorneys, which confirmed my interest in the career.

I have always loved learning how things work and was excited by the wide range of technologies patent attorneys encounter in their work. I was also attracted to the combination of technical understanding and communication skills required in the profession. I find the precision and attention to detail required in drafting and analysing patent documents very satisfying, and enjoy the process of formulating and articulating arguments, which are all important aspects of a patent attorney’s job.

How did you get your job at Forresters?

I first saw the role advertised on the IP careers website and applied with a CV and covering letter. I was then invited to an online interview with two partners, where we discussed my background, my understanding of the patent attorney profession and my motivations for applying. I was also given the opportunity to ask questions I had about the firm and the role.

Following the online interview, I attended an in-person interview at the London office with another two partners. I was provided with a set of patent documents and an examiner’s opinion to consider before the interview. During the interview, we discussed whether I agreed with the examiner’s opinion and how I would respond to it. I really enjoyed analysing the situation and constructing arguments for this task, and it gave me valuable insight into the type of work I would be doing as a trainee. I additionally completed a short grammar exercise during my visit.

After receiving and accepting my job offer, I was invited to lunch with some of the trainees and associates working in the office I would be joining. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the firm and meet my future colleagues before starting.

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

Before applying, I would recommend taking every available opportunity to learn about the profession. Not only do employers want to see evidence that you have taken the initiative to explore and understand the profession, but the route to qualification is long and so it is important to understand what you are signing up to and whether it suits your interests and strengths.

In addition to carrying out independent research, it is helpful to speak with trainees and qualified attorneys about their experiences and what their day-to-day job involves. The patent attorney profession is relatively small meaning you may need to reach out to people on LinkedIn or at networking events to do this. In my experience, most people are happy to answer a few questions and share advice!

Before applying I also attended an open day at a patent attorney firm. There were various talks covering different aspects of the job, and a couple of workshop sessions including a claim-drafting exercise. Experiencing elements of the work first-hand confirmed that I would enjoy the day-to-day job and helped me prepare for the application process.

Finally, I recommend practising explaining technical concepts clearly. Being able to break down and explain how everyday objects work is something that is often assessed during application processes.