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I entered the profession after graduating with a master’s degree in biochemistry, which included placements in the pharmaceutical industry. Being a patent attorney was always of interest to me, as it would allow me to continue using my technical knowledge in an entirely new context, and learn legal skills. I also found the prospect of arguing for a living to be rather appealing (and still do enjoy this element of the job).
Written and oral advocacy have always been some of the more interesting parts of this role, especially in contentious proceedings such as oppositions and appeals. I particularly enjoy sifting through all the points that could be made in a case, and identifying the points (often limited in number) that should be made. In general, I find trying to get my argument across as succinctly and forcefully as possible to always be an interesting challenge.
AI presents new challenges and opportunities as well. When working with AI you have a digital companion that can provide almost limitless ideas and critiques. Again, identifying which of those of ideas and critiques should be picked up and ran with is an interesting new skill which I am developing.
Of course, I am fundamentally also a science geek (as any good patent attorney is), and so getting to wrap my head around the technology of my clients has always been fascinating. This is especially important when drafting new patent applications and during opposition/appeal work – you absolutely have to be on top of the technical detail to get a good outcome for your client.