Prior to joining Birkett Long as a trainee solicitor, I worked as a paralegal in a North London law firm in the wills and trusts department. Alongside studying for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), I volunteered at Citizen Advice in Eccles assisting in a busy gateway centre with enquiries regarding housing, benefits and immigration. I also took part in scrutiny panels with the Crown Prosecution Service, where I would review files and suggest improvements in the process.

At present I’m working in the firm’s intellectual property team, where I deal with trade marks and patents. My duties include monitoring clients’ trade marks, drafting opposition to protect existing marks and considering applications for new marks and patents. I also undertake research tasks across the various areas of IP, both for internal purposes and client-facing communications. I look forward to exploring further areas of IP during the rest of my time with the team.

I was awarded a distinction for both the Legal Practice Course and Graduate Diploma in Law, being placed top of the class in the latter. At undergraduate level, I graduated with an MDram in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of Kent and subsequently worked as a publicist in the West End for several years, running international PR campaigns for musicals, plays and festivals.

Since moving into the world of law, I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of approaching a diverse range of legal areas to research and analyse issues and being able to offer clear and concise advice to clients. I love that my job allows me to stay curious as I explore new industries and the legal issues that impact them.

I play netball in the Chelmsford and District Netball League, having this season been promoted to division one. I also enjoy swimming, spinning and running, and discovering local walks. As well as my interest in theatre, I regularly attend gigs locally and in London, and can often be found listening to a true crime podcast on the way to work!