What led you to a career in IP law at Secerna?

I started my career working as a legal secretary at a firm in St. Albans, then returned to the North to work as a paralegal in the conveyancing department of a solicitors in Leeds before spending two years travelling in Australia. When I came back, I knew that I wanted to continue working in the legal sector, but not necessarily in the same area as I had worked in previously.

I heard about the job at Secerna and the idea of working in intellectual property interested me. Fast forward a few years and here we are. I am working with a great team in a role that I really love.

What brought you to Secerna?

Until someone told me about the role at Secerna, I hadn’t considered working in intellectual property and didn’t really know much about it.

When I came for an interview with the Partners, Jason and Charlotte, it quickly became clear that this was somewhere that I wanted to work. Not only did we get on well, but the company also sounded interesting as it is busy and growing. When I met the other members of the Executive Team, I knew that this was the place for me.

What is your role in the Executive Team at Secerna?

We are the main hub covering all aspects of support for the attorneys. From diary management to document preparation, we cover it all.

My role includes organising events, booking tickets and hotels as well as invoicing and typing. It is varied and fast-moving, which keeps it interesting.

I recently sat my Patent Paralegal exam, and I am proud to say I achieved a result of 94%.

What is the best thing about your job?

I enjoy the process of getting files together and progressing a case as everyone works together to achieve the same goal for the client. I really enjoy the work and I have learnt so much in the time I have worked at Secerna.

The other thing is that it is a really nice place to work. The building we work in is lovely and in a great location, the team are all brilliant to work with.

What does a typical day look like?

It always starts by going through the docketing inbox to check what has come in overnight. If there are documents that need printing for files, I will do that and hand anything that needs docketing to our Formalities Manager, Liza. I will also check my own emails to see what documents need sending or drafting.

From there I will file documents on the European Patent Office hub and chase people on tasks that are outstanding. I often have to draft letters to report official communication as well as stay on top of emails, telephone calls and invoicing.

It is a busy role with lots of moving parts to stay on top of, but that is what makes it so interesting to me.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in IP?

Very simply give it a go! If you are wanting something a bit different that is logical and process driven, then this could be the role for you.

What interests you outside work?

I spend a lot of my free time with family and friends. I love to go out for a meal and a few drinks with them as well as trips away to the seaside or somewhere for a weekend walking.

Four or five times a week I will go to the gym before work. I have to get it in before work, or it won’t happen.