Katie Smith

Katie Smith

Patent Secretary

What was your first ever job?

My first ever job was a checkout assistant at a supermarket.

How did you get involved and what first attracted you to your chosen field?

I first started out as an administration assistant for a firm of solicitors in the hope that it would lead to a secretary role and 13 years later here I am! I have naturally found a job that suits me, and it is something that I enjoy. I get a lot of satisfaction out of keeping someone else organised.

When did you join Potter Clarkson and why?

I joined Potter Clarkson in May 2015. I have worked in intellectual property before at a previous firm of solicitors so when this job became available it really appealed to me.

What is your area of speciality and why did you choose it?

The secretaries have a very important role to play here at Potter Clarkson and work closely alongside the attorneys. You need to have strong organisational skills and the ability to use your own initiative. 

What does a typical day in your role entail and what do you most enjoy about it/find most challenging?

It is hard to narrow a typical day down, as every day is so different and each day sets new challenges. I am still learning something new every day, especially now that we are moving forward with the times and becoming a paperless office!

What has been the highlight of your career at Potter Clarkson so far?

I have been very fortunate to have received extensive in-house secretarial training and other opportunities such as taking the patent administration course in London, gaining a touch-typing qualification, and will be visiting our office in Stockholm in the near future.

What advice would you give anyone looking to join Potter Clarkson?

We are a very talented and friendly firm that is continuing to grow and prosper, and I think we have an exciting future ahead of us. Everyone here is valued and each and every one of us has a part to play in the firm. We are very passionate and proud of what we do.