Associate profiles

Andrew Bailey  | qualified in September 2008 |  studied Masters in Chemical Engineering, Newcastle University


"When considering the transition into law from an engineering background, my priority was to join a firm with a strong IP practice so that I could employ my technical knowledge, but also one which could offer high quality training in my other seats and variety in terms of qualification options, should I chose to pursue another field of law other than IP.

Unlike many rival city firms in which the IP groups primarily fulfil a corporate-support function, Hebert Smith stood out to me as offering a unique combination of a pre-eminent contentious IP practice in its own right along with the high level of support, training and quality of work that comes with a top city firm.

As it turned out, a career in IP law is proving just as enjoyable as I had hoped and I have recently completed a Diploma in IP law at Oxford University, which was financed by the firm. I have also already reaped the benefits of joining an international firm such as Herbert Smith, having last year returned from the fascinating and valuable experience of working for one of the firm's Japanese clients in Tokyo for six months.

I have certainly found having a scientific background can help in tackling some of the technical problems that you are confronted with as an IP lawyer, and am surrounded at Herbert Smith by an impressive array of medics, bio-chemists and IT-specialists, all of which makes the group an interesting and well-balanced place to work."

Rosie Patterson | qualified in March 2008 |  studied Biological Sciences, University of Oxford

"Becoming an intellectual property lawyer was, to me, the obvious career path following my decision to convert to law after an undergraduate degree in biological sciences. The combination of Herbert Smith's preeminent litigation department and its highly regarded IP practice made the firm my first choice as a training contract applicant.

Since qualifying to the IP department my work has both enabled me to use my existing knowledge, and has allowed me to develop new skills, both scientific and legal.
 
Since 2007 I have been working on a strongly fought patent revocation case for a Japanese client. The case concerns an antibacterial agent with worldwide annual sales in excess of US $2 billion. We have successfully defended the patent both at first instance and on appeal in the UK and are currently coordinating the defence of the patent in Spain, Germany and Greece and are working closely with litigation teams in the US and Canada.
 
I am also currently involved in two patent disputes regarding cancer therapies. The first, having an Indian dimension, has required me to reacquaint myself with the genetics that I learnt at University. The second, which has a Japanese and German element has involved the consideration of molecular and medicinal chemistry. In each instance as the sole associate on the matter I am enjoying a great amount of responsibility.
 
As a junior associate in the IP department variety and depth of experience is very important. As well as the patent litigation mentioned above I have worked on trade mark, confidential information and database right disputes. The partners and associates in the IP department are approachable, lateral thinking and professional, equally skilled as commercial lawyers and, in the case of the life sciences group, as scientists. It is a hugely enjoyable and challenging environment within which to work."