From space tech enthusiast to IP law trainee: how I combined my interest in space technology, and a degree in physics, with a legal career

I have had an interest in spaceflight and the technology behind it for as long as I can remember. My interest was cemented when an eight-year-old Jordan visited NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre on Cape Canaveral and saw Space Shuttle Columbia up close (well… from ~3 miles away). 

Fast forward a few years, and I was studying physics at university. I did not pick a specific pathway within physics to ensure that I had the flexibility to take modules in astrophysics and other related areas. During my fourth year, I started dropping into engineer lectures on propulsion systems and orbital mechanics just because I found it interesting.  

Fast forward again and I found myself in a career quite clearly outside the space sector, or at least so I thought. As a Trainee Attorney, I soon learnt that my physics background gave me a good foundational knowledge, and what I lacked in hands-on research and development experience in space-related technology, I made up in enthusiasm and willingness to learn more by expressing my interest to the partners at Appleyard Lees, I was supported in working on a range of interesting patent applications that related to technologies either directly space-related or space-adjacent.  

My advice for trainees with an interest in a specific field is to talk to partners and qualified attorneys about it. There may not be work immediately available, but they will remember that you have raised it and will consider you in the future when a relevant case comes up. 

Seek out business development opportunities, such as conferences and events related to the sector you are aiming to enter and establish yourself in. Once you have attended a few of these events you will start to recognise other attendees and expand your network. Over time these connections could evolve into professional opportunities in your area of interest. 

I have used space tech as an example but the points above are equally relevant for trainees with interests in any technological field. If you have an interest then it is possible to carve yourself out as the expert in that niche area, both internally and externally. 

Main takeaways:

• Share: talk to people within the firm and get an idea of what they are interested in. We all have different backgrounds and interests, sometimes those might align. People are generally open for support on casework, especially if you can bring a degree of enthusiasm!  

• Liase: talk to the marketing team – they are fantastic at finding events and can lessen the burden of doing this yourself.  

• Connect: look for and attend events within the area you are interested in and try to talk to new people each time.