Get to know Katherine Peel

Why did you become a Patent Attorney?

After completing a degree in Physics, I realised that while a career in research wasn't quite right for me, I wasn't ready to leave science behind. When I discovered patent law, I found the perfect combination: a profession deeply rooted in science and technology that also called upon skills in communication, persuasion and problem-solving.

 

How did you know that you had found the right fit at PWF?

I had met and made friends with great people from PWF throughout my training years. I was consistently impressed not only by the quality of work they were involved in, but also by the firm's supportive culture and commitment to excellence. Joining PWF felt like a natural next step.

 

What do you enjoy most about working at the cutting edge of innovation?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Patent Attorney is the opportunity to work with inventors who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible and developing technologies that I may never have heard of otherwise, but are essential to our everyday lives.

 

What's your top tip for aspiring IP professionals?

For a new starter, find your people as you go along. Whether it be those you’re training with, those that are training you, those you work for and with. It’s a small profession but a helpful one and having strong relationships is invaluable.

 

What are you most proud of?

Whilst there have been many interesting cases along the way, my greatest professional achievement has been finding a balance that allows me to continue developing my career while raising a family and navigating life's inevitable twists and turns. Achieving that balance has required commitment and importantly, learning to ask for and accept support when needed. It's something I'm particularly proud of.

 

Looking ahead, tell us about your career ambitions

To stay curious! Whether it's developments in law, emerging technologies or new ways of working, there's always something new to learn. Having moved from trainee to trainer, I've come to appreciate how important it is to understand not just what we do, but why we do it. That being said, I enjoy passing down the experiences and knowledge I’ve gained over the years and a further ambition is to become as good a mentor to developing Attorneys as the mentors I have been lucky enough to have.

 

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received

"Don't use five words when one will do."

Clarity is at the heart of good communication. Our aim is always to be clear, and unnecessary words are a barrier to understanding. 

And I fondly remember some words to live by from my Grandma:

"If you can't fight, wear a big hat!"

 

How do you keep busy outside of IP?

Cooking and gardening, I’ve recently combined the two to produce enough jam for a year with home-grown blackcurrants!

 

And just for fun, what superpower would you most like?

If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to be in two places at once, perhaps even three! It would certainly make life's ongoing juggling act a little easier.