This article is no longer listed, please search the site for up to date articles.

  • Name: Candice Terblanche
  • Job Title: Trainee Patent Attorney
  • Location: London
  • University: -Non UK-
  • Degree: BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Patents as a career

One of the great attractions to engineering was the emphasis on problem solving. However I wanted a career that would allow me to use my ability to communicate and use some creativity. Working in patents combines creative problem solving with an ability to communicate inventive ideas. Working with other science professionals allows me to say things like, ‘There are ten kinds of people in this world, those who understand binary and those who don’t’ around the office.

About me

I joined Page White & Farrer in 2007 as a graduate and attended the Certificate in Intellectual Property Law course at QMUL the same year with four other trainees from the firm. I sat my UK qualifying exams in 2009. I will be sitting my EQEs next year.

Training – exam support

PWF encourages trainees to take exams when they feel that they have gained sufficient experience and advice is always available as to which exams, how many and when.

Because of the number of trainees, there is always support for the exams at the level at which you require it. This varies from practical advice from those who have just sat the exams (eat flapjacks!), study groups with those sitting the exams with you and academic advice from the more qualified attorneys.

Training – day to day

In terms of day to day training there is a large amount of direct client work and I have had client contact from day one. This has allowed me to gain experience working with large clients. There is also a focus on staying up to date with the latest case law and law changes and small group meetings are held where these issues are discussed. Trainees are also encouraged to attend lectures held by CIPA and generally have a high level of involvement.

Social

Social events are encouraged and Christmas and summer parties are organised by the firm. We regularly take part in Seasonal inter-firm sporting events such as football, cricket and softball matches. We are also well-represented on the Informals committee with at least one Page White trainee being a member over the past five years.

Page White & Farrer offers a training environment that is very open and questions are greatly encouraged. After all, the other trainees all want to know the answer too!

Back to Top

Get the latest jobs