One aspect which is quite different, but which I have found particularly rewarding, is that along with a firm grip on the technology in question, the job requires having a sense for the commercial context of a client’s patent application and keeping in mind the needs of their business when undertaking work.
The learning curve can be steep and there is a lot of new information to take on from day one. In my experience, Carpmaels & Ransford provides fantastic support to make the somewhat intimidating transition between academia and law. I received excellent supervision and on-the-job training from partners and associates. There’s a genuinely collaborative atmosphere at the firm, with someone available to provide help with issues as they arise. I also found the environment at Carpmaels to be friendly and welcoming, with a healthy amount of activity outside the office. For example, last summer I was a member of Carpmaels & Ransford’s teams for the Three Peaks Yacht Race, the RideLondon cycle sportive and the Great City Race 5k. There are also plenty of other opportunities to socialise with colleagues, including informal drinks on the firm’s terrace, practice group outings and the annual summer and New Year parties.
