I have been a trainee trade mark attorney at Appleyard Lees for almost a year now.
Since I love a list, I thought one would be appropriate to sum up my experience working as a trainee trade mark attorney at Appleyard Lees, so far (a list also enabled me to use as much alliteration as possible in my title).
So, to jump straight in, here are my 10 takeaways:
1. The people are really lovely.
This point had to go to the top of the list for emphasis. Everyone at the firm has made me feel so welcome and the people on my team are always willing to answer my many questions.
2. I assisted with supervised work right from the beginning:
In my first week I,
– gathered evidence for an infringement action
– was involved in a copyright dispute case
– helped draft the statement of grounds for a trade mark opposition
3. The work environment is very collaborative.
In the Leeds trade mark team, we frequently discuss cases we are working on to gain different perspectives. As a trainee, I have found this especially helpful as you learn about different ways to approach a case.
4. There are many opportunities to attend talks and networking events.
For example, within my first two months, I was asked to hold mock recruitment interviews with students from a nearby law school and to sit on a BPP online careers fair panel.
5. Article writing is encouraged, and trainees regularly contribute to pieces published on the Appleyard Lees Greenshoots IP insights library.
6. As a trade mark attorney, you get to work across a wide range of sectors, ranging from pharmaceuticals to iconic fashion brands.
7. Organisation and time management are key (hence the lists).
8. There are a number of exams to sit before you can qualify as a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney
9. You have lots of exposure to foreign associates and regularly deal with multiple jurisdictions of law.
At the end of last year, I organised a virtual Pictionary night with a European IP law firm that we work closely with which was a great opportunity to get to know them on a more informal basis.
10. There are always treats in the kitchen.
