Chemists in the Real World

What's a typical day on the job like?

I have no routine. Any day is different. I interact a lot with my local clients, Canadian inventors, who typically are researchers at universities. And also with colleagues—patent lawyers and patent agents—all around the world in the US, Europe, Australia, Japan, South America, everywhere.

My practice typically involves providing patentability opinions, drafting and prosecuting patent applications (domestic and foreign), providing validity and freedom-to-operate opinions, regulatory affairs (drug approval, data protection); I also do help our litigation team.

I spend a fair amount of time reading newsletters and journals, science-related and law-related. I need to at least be aware of what is being developed in science. In order to help secure a strong patent protection for an invention, it is critical to understand it very well. I also need to keep up-to-date with the law including court decisions. Occasionally I do write a paper myself and get it published.

I also spend time out of the office at conferences and networking events—I do not miss the opportunity to give a talk. I’m an active member of a few professional organizations including CHAL and the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada (IPIC).

Are there any apps/software/instrumentation/tools that you can't live without?

I use patent and jurisprudence databases a lot.

Describe your work environment.

I work in an office. I basically need a computer and a phone.

Does your job follow a typical 9-to-5 schedule?

In a typical week I work 45-50 hours. Overtime is not required; however, it depends on the client's needs. Deadlines are very important in the patent field. If I need to work late in the evening or during the weekend in order to meet that deadline for the client, I don’t hesitate to do so. The work environment is generally relaxed.

What do you like most about your job and why?

I get to work on various types of technology in the chemical field; I get to be aware of the latest developments. I enjoy the interaction with researchers.

What is your best productivity trick?

Planning and organization. I like to start the day with a plan, and I get organized according to the plan. I start planning when I’m still at home. The day may not unfold according to the plan, and that is fine. I adjust if there is a crisis. I don’t make a written or electronic list; it’s all in my head. Knowing what my goals are for the day helps me focus.   

What's the best career advice you've received?

Network, interact with peers, do so even if you think you are very busy with work! Try and create time for it. Get out there, talk to people. Don’t stay in your own little closed world. I think it’s very important.

Indeed, developing clients is an important aspect of the job. When you join a firm you will be serving clients that the firm already has, if you don’t have clients of your own. But at the same time, if you want to develop your career you need to bring in new clients. And networking is very important in the process.

Equally important or even more, is doing a good job, it is often said. If you have the opportunity to serve someone, you try your best to do a good job, and they will talk about you to other people.

What personal talent or trait makes you a great fit for your job?

Working as a patent lawyer certainly involves a lot of reading and writing.  I would say that my love for reading has helped me a lot. I have always enjoyed reading, ever since I was little. I was that type of kid who is always reading something. You learn so many things when you read, and it also does help you develop your writing skills.

My first language is French, being able to work in both English and French come very handy, particularly in the Canadian context.

What essential habit do you have now that you wish you'd started much earlier?

Curiosity, getting interested in what is happening in science in general, not only in my specific field.

What is your favorite ACS resource?

Chemical and Engineering News.