The Spotlight Series: Birmingham
We like Birmingham that much we’ve decided to run a second Spotlight article with Isobel Ferguson, trainee patent attorney in the Mechanical Engineering department at Marks & Clerk!
What first attracted you to a career at Marks & Clerk and to working in the Birmingham office?
After obtaining my degree from Warwick University I knew I wanted a career as a patent attorney. I wanted to remain in the region so Birmingham was a natural choice for me.
The office is located in the city centre, making it a great place to work and socialise. Birmingham is home to many national and international businesses and has great travel links including the new Grand Central station. The city centre itself also offers great shopping and great places to eat and drink.
What does a typical working week look like?
My day-to-day work typically involves responding to objections raised against patent applications by the UK or European Patent Offices. Since joining as a graduate, I have already had the opportunity to write a few patent applications, which involves meeting with inventors to understand their invention and then writing the patent application with further input from the inventors. I am also working with my supervisor on a case that has been summoned to a hearing before the European Patent Office. This will involve travelling to Munich to argue the merits of the application at Oral Proceedings.
I also attend two webinar lectures a week given by the in-house ‘Training Academy’ to prepare me for the UK foundation exams. Marks & Clerk is one of the very few firms to offer an in-house training programme, which, in addition to delivering lectures, arranges regular ‘away days’ for trainees across the UK offices.
Give us an idea of the range of clients you work with and the variety of technologies?
I have worked on cases for a range of clients, from large multinationals (such as one of the largest internet based retailers in the world), to small start-up businesses. I mainly work on software and mechanical patents, however, as a trainee I receive work from a number of patent attorneys in the Birmingham office which means I have the opportunity to deal with a wide range of technologies.
In addition to dealing directly with inventors, I also receive work from foreign attorneys whose clients are looking to gain patent protection in the UK or Europe.
Every case is different, which keeps the job interesting!
What is most enjoyable about working for the Marks & Clerk Birmingham office?
The Birmingham office has a great team of people. There are a good number of trainees, all at different levels, which means there is a great support system.
The office itself is very modern and has great facilities. It is located on the 26th floor giving excellent views over the city and there is also a large ‘breakout’ area which hosts Friday night drinks on the first Friday of every month, and offers a place to socialise.
Tell us about your career highlight to date.
Even as a graduate trainee I have the opportunity to attend client meetings which is probably my favourite part of the job. They allow you to get to know the people you deal with on a daily basis, and often as we travel to see them, allow you to see new inventions in action.
What opportunities are there for development and progression at Marks & Clerk?
The focus is not just on billing and from a very early stage there is the opportunity for personal development. For example, I have already been involved in business development (such as networking events) and maintaining client relations.
Once qualified, I know the firm offers opportunities for career development – to Senior and Principle Associate level as well as Partnership.
What makes you stay at Marks & Clerk?
Marks & Clerk is a great employer, and the Birmingham office is a really friendly environment. There are welcome lunches whenever a new employee joins, and the office is very social, with events such as bowling nights, wine tastings and go karting.
There are also a number of benefits associated with working for a larger firm with a global presence. I am able to work on a wide variety of cases, with different types of clients, and I am able to get an insight into the profession globally.
There is also a large support network with fourteen trainees in my year across the UK offices, and we regularly meet up for ‘away days’. Having a peer group who understand the steep learning curve is invaluable.
If you had to describe Marks & Clerk in just three words, what would they be?
Challenging, friendly, rewarding
Do you have something you would like us to shine the Fellows Spotlight on? Get in touch with us on [email protected].