Career series: Anita Shaw, IBM
Tell us about the course of your career.
I feel very lucky to have had an international upbringing as, from early on, it instilled a curiosity and respect for different people and places, which I can now draw on when working for a multinational company. Although I have made conscious decisions throughout my career, I can’t say that it has all been meticulously planned.
My background is in general sciences, my heritage is South Asian and culturally, there is a strong lean towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. My father was my hero, a first-generation immigrant to the UK, where he was a doctor in the NHS for many years. I had planned to follow in his footsteps, but ultimately chose to study computer science at the University of Portsmouth, sponsored by IBM.
The mix of academic studies and hands-on commercial work experience in a field that looked set to take off was a huge pull. I first came across IP at university and was intrigued by the mix of law and technology. I discovered that IBM had an in-house IP department and I joined it after graduation, starting the long path towards dual qualification as a UK and European patent attorney.
Outline a typical day in your role.
My current role is a mix of three complementary areas. I help protect inventions, provide advice for internal clients and engage with external customers in IBM’s cloud-based business. I work on IP policy issues in the data, artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright fields, and I’ve recently become one of IBM’s global copyright counsels.
The interesting topics I have on my plate include helping my clients go to market effectively, especially amid the challenging COVID-19 climate; collaborating with other departments, such as government and regulatory affairs, on public policy consultations issued by IP offices and other government bodies; and, in my new role, supporting open tech strategies. To say that my day is diverse is an understatement, and I love the variety.
What are the best parts about your job?
The biggest joy of being in-house is that I get to collaborate side by side with my internal clients. There is no better way to learn about IP and technologies than in a commercial setting. I feel privileged to have many good friends and allies in the mainline businesses, and I ensure that I contribute by engaging with the business on broader initiatives. For example, I mentor software developers and participate in career events.
I am working in the middle of some of the hottest technology right now, in terms of cloud and AI. Although I’m now an attorney, tech was and always will be my first love. Finally, as an in-house attorney, the stimulating and challenging mix of issues is incomparable. All forms of IP are relevant, I get to work in global teams and no two days are the same. For me, these factors are important for engagement and continued growth.
What is the most difficult part of your job?
Working through complex issues with my clients can be tough as we’re often up against deadlines. I’m a firm believer in openness and transparency in communications as well as investing the time to build meaningful relationships. This helps to establish trust not only throughout ongoing interactions, but also in future attorney-client interactions.
Have you faced any barriers or challenges in your career?
I can honestly say that my experiences at IBM have been truly positive. I have had unwavering support and flexibility in opportunities and projects. Although, there are challenges with gender imbalance in the broader tech and IP fields, and many of my university friends, colleagues and mentors are male, I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help and support.
That’s not to say there aren’t issues to be addressed, and it’s important to note that others may have different experiences. Another central part of my role, both internal and external to IBM, is to understand and progress a range of diversity and inclusion (D&I) topics, such as education and outreach.
What is your biggest achievement?
In terms of career, over the last few years and with the help of a close circle, I’ve made conscious efforts to step up.
I feel privileged to be part of a team helping to form and articulate IBM’s views on cutting-edge IP policy issues, which we share with external organisations, such as the World Intellectual Property Organization and the European Commission.
I’m also proud to contribute to D&I progress being made in the broader UK IP professions. A few years ago, I co-founded IP&ME, which is UK IP Law’s first cross-organisation, cross-profession support group for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) professionals and their allies. One major turning point for me was having the courage to bring authenticity to my interactions. I couldn’t have done this without my mentors and colleagues as they led by example, which made it easier for me to take the first steps.
In terms of my personal life, I have two children, and I strive to achieve a successful work-life balance. I want to instil in my kids a curiosity for learning and respect for others. Growing up in these challenging times will not be easy, but they teach me, too, particularly about being in the moment and enjoying life.
What advice would you give to those looking to pursue a similar career path?
IP is at the heart of innovation! If you have a love for STEM subjects and a natural curiosity about how the world works, becoming an IP attorney could be the career for you. It’s the perfect blend of my first love, tech, and legal and commercial issues.
You need an eye for detail in the early stages, but a breadth of skills, experiences and perspectives is important as you progress in your career. You will also need a healthy dose of stamina and patience for the exams. The issues at the intersection of IP and tech are only going to get more interesting and I’d encourage you to step up and get involved in the debate.“Diverse teams help firms to stay current in their thinking and progress the conversation, which can help a firm innovate and add to the bottom line.”
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the people around me and I try to emulate the traits that I identify with. They are mentors who stick by me through thick and thin; sponsors who provide me with super-interesting roles even in these challenging times; colleagues who strive to bring people together and maintain positivity during the pandemic; and my children, who are able to make each other belly laugh no matter what is going on in the world.
What was your most unusual job before becoming an attorney?
During my last summer before university, I worked as a waitress in a family-run Italian restaurant. I don’t miss the busy lunchtime services, but I do miss the post-work gelato. I used my entire pay cheque to fund a final weekend with my school friends at an outdoor music festival in the UK. It was definitely worth every penny and surprisingly, it didn’t rain once!
Women in law
What are the major issues facing women in law?
The business case for diversity is apparent and proven. Diverse teams help firms to stay current in their thinking and progress the conversation, which can help a firm innovate and add to the bottom line.
Gender diversity on entry and at more senior levels continues to be a challenge, particularly as IP law often requires a STEM base. There is no silver bullet—there are several issues to tackle from increasing education and outreach about STEM and IP careers for schoolchildren to ensuring that key stakeholders and decision-makers are well-versed on topics such as addressing unconscious bias in the interview process and promoting inclusivity at partner and head of department levels.
Is the legal profession doing enough to improve gender diversity?
In the UK, through IP Inclusive and other organisations, the conversation has certainly started and that’s the first and most important step. It is important to offer support programmes to professionals who identify across many forms of diversity, such as, gender, neurodiversity and ethnicity.
To make progress on issues such as recruitment and retention, firms should look into forming a solid foundation. Examples include the proactive celebration of role models and flexible working to help attract future employees as well as education, mentorship and sponsorship programmes for existing employees.
How are you involved in promoting diversity?
Externally, I work with IP&ME and Women in IP under IP Inclusive, and have participated in a first-of-a-kind mentoring scheme with Action For Children, a UK children’s charity, where I mentored a BAME member of staff. Within IBM, I’m involved in D&I initiatives across the business, legal and IP departments in the UK, Europe and the US.
IBM has been a trailblazer for many decades, but I love the fact that we don’t rest on our laurels and there is always room to improve, develop and learn. This year, we had virtual celebrations for Diwali; it was a wonderful time to come together with our South Asian communities and allies for the Festival of Lights.
