The Spotlight Series: Birmingham
In our new article series we shine a spotlight on something we think deserves to be shouted about. In this edition we speak to Robin Oxley, qualified patent attorney (UK and EPA) and Managing Partner of the Marks & Clerk Birmingham office, on why Birmingham is a great place to work.
What first attracted you to a career at Marks & Clerk and to working in the Birmingham office?
Initially, the size of Marks & Clerk, and its client list, attracted me. At interview, I met with two Partners, including the then Senior Partner, who subsequently trained me, and was very impressed with them. I didn’t start in Birmingham, but rather in our London office. Having worked in our London office for many years, I was asked to move to Birmingham to take a promotion, and shortly afterwards asked to run the office.
What does a typical working week look like?
As I am the Partner responsible for the running of the office, I spend quite a lot of time meeting with the people who work in the individual teams. I am also still busy with client work though, and have international responsibility as a member of the International Board of management so my days are quite varied. On any one day, I could be working on a new invention, advising a client whether they infringe a third party’s rights, discussing with a client whether to take action for others who infringe my client’s patents, or dealing with international internal projects, and internal management responsibilities.
Give us an idea of the range of clients you work with and the variety of technologies?
My main clients include household names such as SABMiller – one of the largest global brewers in the world; Bridgestone – a global tyre company; together with top names in infrastructure, civil engineering, manufacturing and the automotive industry.
What is most enjoyable about working for the Marks & Clerk Birmingham office?
There is a real team spirit in Birmingham, which I love. We all work together to support our clients and get the job done, and take time to celebrate when the work is done well. The office is not too large so everyone is friendly, but it has the back-up of the other offices in the group as well. The group support functions for the UK are largely based here as well, which means there is a larger variety of backgrounds in the people you work alongside.
Tell us about your career highlight to date.
Being voted onto the International Board was both a great feeling of knowing I have the support of my fellow Partners, and also a huge responsibility because it is now down to me and my fellow Board members to listen and act in the best interests of the firm in all our decisions.
What opportunities are there for development and progression at Marks & Clerk?
Because of our size, opportunities are more common at Marks & Clerk. We work not only on what is needed in an office, but what is needed in the firm. We are a “broad church”. We don’t want everyone to be the same and we need variety to support our clients well and to make the best decisions going forwards. From the Training Academy, to working with individual Partner mentors, it is our job to help you progress. It can be hard work, but it is very rewarding.
What makes you stay at Marks & Clerk?
I love that we are in a good size office, not too big, but with the support we need – we have the backing of the combined resources of the largest firm in the country. I also have good friends all over the world in the Marks & Clerk international offices. I am extremely lucky with my clients, who I enjoy spending time with, and I am also lucky that the Partners in the firm are aligned and work together to drive things forward. For me, that is really exciting.
If you had to describe Marks & Clerk in just three words, what would they be?
Team, opportunities, interesting
Do you have something you would like us to shine the Fellows Spotlight on? Get in touch with us on [email protected].