Sarah T

Profile:

I specialise in intellectual property law and for more than 20 years have advised clients on protection of their inventions and trade secrets. My career has been extremely varied, interesting and international. No two days are the same – I have represented clients at the CJEU in Luxembourg, was commissioned to write a report for the European Commission on trade secrets law across the EU (which was the first step in the development of the new Trade Secrets Directive) and have worked on matters that have been reported in the news. More recently, I have focused on cybersecurity and the regulation of new technologies and the challenges and opportunities they bring clients.

I studied Physics at Durham University and had no experience of the legal profession when I decided to become a lawyer. I was very lucky in that I made a speculative application for a paralegal job in the IP group of a large City firm and ended up as a partner at the same firm some years later. I had an excellent mentor in my former boss but I would have really appreciated all the opportunities that Aspiring Solicitors offers (had AS been around then). While I was a partner, I was on the graduate recruitment team and have worked with a number of different organisations promoting diversity in the legal profession. I am firmly of the view that greater diversity throughout the profession is vital to ensure that we remain competitive. A diverse profession is better for everyone. I am very happy to share my experience.

Back To Mentor Profiles