Career series: Alicia Instone, Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
Tell us about the course of your career.
I knew I wanted to be a patent attorney, so I applied for the postgraduate certificate in IP law at the University of Manchester to become partly qualified. I got my first proper job at Marks & Clerk in St Albans in 2005.
The office demerged from Marks & Clerk and became Scott & York in 2006, and then we merged with Cleveland in 2017 to become Cleveland Scott York. I became a partner two years later.
Outline a typical day in your role.
At the moment—as I am president of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA)—I haven’t had a typical day for quite a while. I start off by logging on and checking my emails and seeing what the day brings.
I enjoy the diversity of the work. The most difficult part of the job is telling a client they can’t do something that they have their heart set on.
“Personally, I don’t feel that I am facing any major issues. Our profession is very welcoming to women, and we are quite well represented.” Alicia Instone, Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
My biggest achievement so far is becoming the president of CIPA this year
Have you faced any barriers or challenges in your career?
I had some issues entering the profession in the first place. I had lots of interviews—I looked good on paper but for whatever reason I didn’t fit what the firms were looking for.
What advice would you give to those looking to pursue a similar career path?
If at first you don’t succeed, keep trying, and if you don’t ask—you don’t get!
What was your most unusual job?
I had three jobs before becoming a patent attorney. I worked the front desk at a pizza takeaway when I was in sixth form (years 11 and 12), then I worked for the department store, Allders, in the china and glass department during my university years. I also joined GE Capital for a year in its collections department.
Women in law
What are the major issues facing women in law?
Personally, I don’t feel that I am facing any major issues. Our profession is very welcoming to women, and we are quite well represented.
Is the legal profession doing enough to improve gender diversity?
The patent attorney profession is a niche area of law where a science or engineering background is needed so we need to encourage people at an early age to look into science, technology, engineering and maths subjects. CIPA is working on this through organisations such as Careers in Ideas.
How are you involved in promoting diversity?
I am involved with organisations such as Careers in Ideas and IP Inclusive through CIPA in relation to promoting diversity in general, and I have set up a CIPA diversity and inclusion committee. This year I have participated in events with IP Inclusive to promote our diversity initiatives overseas.
