Why did you choose this profession?

I enjoyed studying mechanical engineering at university, but didn’t quite like the thought of being restricted to working in a single technical field. Twice I came across patents, both very briefly, as an undergraduate. First was within a lecture setting in a law module; and second, as a product consideration during a business enterprise team project. In both instances I thought nothing much of it, even less so as a career prospect.

It was only after graduating where I first properly considered a career as a patent attorney. To me, the most appealing was that it bridged the aspects of law, science and commerce, and involves working with clients on a vast array of technology. I had heard about the unprecedented rate of growth of HGF within both the UK and Europe, and about the professional yet friendly nature of the firm, the latter really reflecting during the interview process.

What is it like working at HGF?

Great, by my second day I was drafting a section of the specific description for a vehicle air conditioning system, of course with the help from my supervisor. At first this seemed challenging, but in hindsight drafting the description was not dissimilar to writing an academic report describing the function and application of a refrigeration cycle. By the end of the week I already felt like I had settled in, and part of the HGF team. Throughout the past year and a half, I have been involved primarily in drafting and prosecution of patents, but also with opinions, business development and working directly with clients.

HGF invests in the training of its trainees. Not only do I have a supervisor who offers guidance in my work, answers my questions, and supports my development, I have a network of senior attorneys within the engineering team and beyond, who willingly do the same. Often, I attend in-house tutorials and travel to other offices to engage and train with other attorneys.

What do you aim to achieve in the next 2 or 3 years?

Currently I am preparing to sit some of the UK finals exams at the end of year, and will sit the EQE pre-examination next year. I am targeting  dual qualification in the next couple of years.