Q and A with Rachel Barrett

Why did you become a Trainee Patent Attorney?

While firing lasers at quantum wells was fun, my clumsiness didn’t make me a natural fit for the lab. The word ‘hazard’ may have been thrown about. It’s much safer for me to sit behind a desk – for everyone.

 

What attracted you to PWF?

It was the smiles. I clocked it as soon as I set foot in the office for my interview – everyone seemed happy.

 

What’s the best part of being a Trainee Patent Attorney?

Arguing with – sorry, persuading – the Patent Office. There are few things more satisfying then a well-earned ‘thus’.

 

What’s your top tip for anyone starting a career in IP?

A 185-page prior art document about spreadsheets may seem intimidating – and it is – but if you instead treat it as 185 single-page documents, each covering a different spreadsheet function… that won’t help.

 

What’s your greatest professional achievement?

I think the proudest I’ve felt was the first time my supervisor – the one I found most intimidating – told me I’d done a good job. I have the email saved.

 

What are your career ambitions?

Qualifying one day would be nice.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

That the Examiner will most likely skim-read anything I write. Every sentence needs to be short and sharp; if they need to read anything twice, I’ve lost them.

 

How do you keep busy when not at work?

I prefer my escapism to be interactive and far-fetched. Recently, I’ve started playing Skyrim for the first time – any game where a dragon shows up in the first five minutes is alright with me.

 

Who's the most famous person you've ever met?

I was once hugged by Ainsley Harriot at Symington’s Family Fun day. My dad took a photo but, devastatingly, I think it’s lost to time.

For information about careers at Page White Farrer please contact careers@pagewhite.com.