Name: Ellen Lambrix Firm: Bristows LLP Location: London University: The University of Manchester
Degree: Chemistry Pronouns: She/her
Grappling with complex concepts In IP there can be a lot of complicated
on. “I really enjoy playing a part in bringing these innovations to market,” she describes, explaining that on a daily basis this involves talking to clients, drafting and negotiating agreements and doing anything to progress transactions and deals. “I’m working with clients who are at the cutting edge of their fields,” Ellen continues. “I do a lot of work in the life sciences space for clients who are developing new therapies and products to treat disease. I get to talk to people who are doing incredible work – it’s important to understand your client’s business to appreciate the work they do.” Speaking of incredible work, over the past couple of years Bristows has been involved in a lot of matters to do with the covid-19 pandemic. Ellen discusses a high-profile licence agreement she worked on for one of the covid vaccines: “It was a lot of work over a short period of time, but we got the deal done. It was announced on national TV by the prime minister, which was exciting!” Exciting time to be an IP lawyer There’s a lot going on in IP law at the moment. Ellen references the Unified Patent Court – a single patent court covering most EU countries – which she says “will be the biggest shake-up in the world of patent law”. There are also plenty of deals being done in the field of life sciences, with Bristows working with clients using AI to develop new technology. With so much going on, Ellen explains that the work can be “high pressure and demanding with tight deadlines to turn things around”. Of course, it’s these challenges that “make the job more exciting!”. As well as this exciting environment, Ellen is also keen to highlight the importance of being surrounded by good people: “We have a great team of skilled lawyers at Bristows. Everyone is friendly and willing to give their time to teach you.”
concepts to understand. Ellen explains that to succeed, “you must be able to communicate well to your client. For example, you could be dealing with clients who don’t necessarily understand all the nuances of patent law.” Another key proficiency that Ellen had undoubtedly brought across from her chemistry background is good analytical skills. As she says, “Lawyers are essentially problem solvers who need to analyse and problem-solve quite methodically.” An undergraduate degree in science, although not mandatory, can stand you in good stead. If you’re thinking of going into the legal profession, or even IP, Ellen has some advice on the importance of research. “Talk to as many people as you can,” she recommends. “Look at as many different firms as you can, the type of work they do and whether you think that would fit with you. There’s so much variety within IP law, so doing your research when starting out is key.” In addition to research, Ellen suggests that keeping an open mind during your legal training means you’ll be able to try a variety of areas of law. “There are so many different types of law you can practise,” she concludes. “So go in with an open mind and treat it all as a learning experience.” Lawyers are essentially problem solvers who need to be able to analyse and problem solve
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