Barker Brettell

Firm overview:

The mechanical and engineering disciplines have long been a defining strength of Barker Brettell, which also advises clients across sectors including life sciences, medtech, energy and computing. The firm has a distinguished non-contentious patents practice, with services including filing strategy, portfolio management and patent prosecution. The team also represents clients in contentious matters before the European Patent Office (EPO) and UK courts, and is qualified to act before the Unified Patent Court (UPC).

Team overview:

Since becoming managing partner in 2024, Yvonne Johnson has combined leadership responsibilities with a practice recognised for protecting and exploiting innovations in chemistry, life sciences and green technologies.

John Lawrence, who has over 30 years’ experience as a patent attorney, heads the firm’s Aerospace sector and draws on a degree in natural sciences to assist clients in the physics and computer-implemented technologies fields.

Notable departures from the team over the past year include partner and patent attorney Alan Wilson, who retired in March 2026 after over 25 years at the firm. Another patent partner, Oliver Pooley, left to join HGF in April 2026; his experience spans a range of fields including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, telecoms and medical devices.