Background

For much of my law degree, I was unsure which career path to pursue, because the traditional routes of becoming a solicitor or barrister didn’t feel quite right for me.

My interest in IP developed through my hobbies, particularly songwriting and creative writing. This made me more aware of the importance of protecting original ideas.

I explored this further in my Hong Kong year abroad, where I studied copyright, trade marks and patents. It introduced me to a side of law focused not just on disputes, but on innovation, creativity, and commercial strategy. That was when I realised this was something I was passionate about.

Trade marks stood out, because I was drawn to how practical and forward-looking it is, and the idea of helping businesses protect their brands. It offered a balance between analytical work and creativity that I hadn’t encountered in other legal paths, and confirmed I wanted to work at the intersection of law and business.

Choosing Withers & Rogers

Withers & Rogers stood out as a leading firm with a strong reputation in intellectual property, but what attracted me most was the people and culture.

From early interactions, it felt like a collaborative environment where trainees are encouraged to get involved and take initiative. That was especially important to me as someone entering a relatively new field.

The combination of high-quality training, varied work, and a supportive environment made it the ideal place to start my career.

My first year as a trainee

I secured my role shortly after graduating and have now been in the profession for nearly a year. I will begin the qualification process this September at Queen Mary University of London, followed by the second stage at the University of Nottingham after further practical experience.

From early on, I gained exposure to a wide range of tasks, including assisting with trade mark oppositions, preparing evidence and witness statements, and working with foreign attorneys on international filings and objections.

As the firm’s sole trade mark trainee, I have been trusted with significant responsibility. This has been both challenging and rewarding, and has made the work feel meaningful from the outset.

I have also been involved in business development through the firm’s Digital Media and Space sector groups, contributing to articles and attending industry events, including my first conference. This has strengthened my understanding of the commercial and client-facing aspects of the role.

Advice for aspiring trade mark attorneys

My main advice would be not to worry if you don’t have everything figured out early on – I certainly didn’t.

If you’re interested in intellectual property, there are many ways to explore it. Work experience, virtual internships, webinars, and independent reading (blogs like IPKat) can all help build understanding.

This kind of exposure not only strengthens applications but also helps you determine whether the career suits you. IP is a welcoming, close-knit area of law where curiosity and enthusiasm go a long way.