Best brains in...

The enforcement and clearance of brands and designs. I ensure that my clients are free to maximise the potential of their intellectual property rights and prevent others from encroaching on those rights. I also have expertise in anti-counterfeiting work, both within the UK and internationally.

Highlight of your career so far?

The most gratifying was covering a client's much-needed holiday leave. I stepped into his shoes as head of legal at the last minute and dealt with all the day-to-day issues he faces. Not only did it give me a great insight into his role, it also meant I had a very happy client who returned to his desk without the usual mountain of queries and problems awaiting him!

Most challenging job you've ever done?

The Virgin v Premium case required me to understand the design and engineering aspects of aircraft seats. We had to respond to infringement allegations on over 40 different design details and it required a tremendous amount of work. Needless to say we won. 

What about outside the UK?

A great deal of my work has an international aspect, with many of my clients having operations in the US, Europe and the Far East. There is a constant need to ensure consistency in the approach to the client's IP portfolio regardless of which jurisdiction it is based in. At the moment I am co-ordinating enforcement issues with lawyers in Canada, Belgium, US, Hong Kong and Italy on behalf of a number of my clients.

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

One of my clients was looking for a florist for her wedding but was frustrated that she couldn't find what she wanted. She liked the flowers in our reception in London and so I put her in touch with our florist and she booked them!

When have you ever given a client a real competitive edge?

The best example is the work I do for one of my retail clients. I go to its premises every three to four months and sit down with the design team to review all of the new products in the pipeline, discuss clearance and look at the opportunities to protect the designs. It's great to be involved with the creative process and also means that I can flag up any issues early on for the client and prevent unnecessary expense further down the line.

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

Mainly through baking. I seem to spend a lot of time baking for one sponsored bake or another.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

Managing Intellectual Property referred to me as being "a credit to the firm". That made me smile. Oh and in a recent client review one of the in-house teams I worked with said that they simply love me. Always nice to be loved!