International Women’s Day – Reflections on careers in IP

This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the women at GJE and their invaluable contributions to the IP industry. We asked our colleagues Shapeetha Ariyaratnam, Marianna Antoniou, Michaela Broda, Philippa Makepeace, Kayleigh Su and Jenna Massey to reflect on their career journeys and share advice for aspiring professionals. Their stories highlight their achievements, and offer insight into the opportunities and rewards of working in IP.

Shapeetha Ariyaratnam, Trainee Patent Attorney

Shapeetha joined GJE in September 2024 as a Trainee Patent Attorney in the IT & Engineering department, and is currently working towards full qualification. Her work includes the drafting and prosecution of European and UK patent applications. Shapeetha graduated from Imperial College London in 2024 with a first-class Master’s degree in aeronautical engineering. 

What do you enjoy about working as a trainee patent attorney at GJE?

“I really like the atmosphere here – everyone is very friendly and welcoming, and always happy to help. Starting work as a trainee patent attorney can often feel like a very steep learning curve, but because you’re surrounded by a whole group of other trainees, it can be quite enjoyable and reassuring. It’s also really nice to start with a cohort of around 3-4 other trainees in the same boat as you!”

What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a trainee patent attorney?

“I’d advise having a look into what the career is about, and what you’d be doing on a day-to-day basis. The job can be very intellectually stimulating which many people enjoy, and there are exams that you have to complete over the course of your first few years so that is an important thing to consider. It could be useful to connect with someone who is already in the profession to ask any questions you might have. When you’re applying, a key skill to practise is explaining technical concepts in an easily understandable way and paying attention to detail.”

Marianna Antoniou, IP Support Specialist

Marianna is a valued member of our IP Support Specialist team, and has over 33 years of experience in the field. She joined GJE in 2009 to provide full administrative and secretarial support to the attorneys within the firm. Marianna holds the CIPA administration qualification.

What do you enjoy about working as an IPSS at GJE?

“I enjoy all aspects of the job. There are different challenges each day and it is varied from form filling, invoicing, communicating with clients and colleagues; working with highly intelligent people (which I have great respect for); and being a work mum (agony aunt). I find all aspects very rewarding!

“My career highlights include passing the CIPA course; obtaining a great understanding about intellectual property law; and creating good relationships with colleagues and clients!”

What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?

“Find a good mentor; listen and take notes; be a team player; learn new skills; communicate well and have the determination to succeed.”

Michaela Broda, Trade Mark Paralegal

Michaela joined GJE in January 2020 and works in our Munich office. Prior to this, she had 10 years of experience as a paralegal and office manager at another IP law firm in Munich. Having passed the paralegal course in September 2021, Michaela is now also a CITMA paralegal.

What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your career?

“Embrace the learning journey and don’t fear change as it is one’s biggest opportunity to grow and improve.”

Philippa Makepeace, Senior Associate

Philippa is a European and UK Patent Attorney in our Chemistry & Life Sciences group, specialising in the field of chemical innovation. She joined GJE in 2017 after working at another leading patent firm, and she was recently promoted to Senior Associate in January 2025. Philippa holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Oxford.

What do you enjoy about working as a Senior Associate patent attorney at GJE?

“I work with great clients, and I enjoy the variety of different work types that I undertake. I think GJE offers great exposure to challenging work such as opposition and appeal work, as well as direct client interaction, from an early stage of your career.“

What do you enjoy most about working with innovators in the chemistry space?

“I enjoy the link back to my degree and keeping in touch with exciting aspects of scientific development. There was a reason why I chose to do a degree in chemistry – I enjoy the subject! So, it’s fun to be able to combine both chemistry and law on a daily basis.”

Kayleigh Su, Trainee Trade Mark Attorney

Kayleigh joined GJE in October 2022 as a trainee trade mark attorney, and she is currently working towards full qualification. Prior to this, she graduated from the London School of Economics with a first class LLB, and achieved an entry on the Dean’s List 2021/22 for Intellectual Property Law.

What do you enjoy about working as a trainee trade mark attorney at GJE?

“The trade mark team handles and advises on the various different elements of trade mark strategy, from filing to enforcement. In the few years that I have been with the firm, I have been able to have hands-on experience with so many different types of work, which has been both challenging and interesting. Moreover, everyone is genuine and approachable which has made the training experience more enjoyable. I can confidently say that the encouragement and support I have been given has allowed me to positively grow as a person and a soon-to-be-qualified trade mark attorney!”

Jenna Massey, Practice Director

Jenna joined GJE in 2021 as Practice Director, bringing with her over 15 years of leadership experience in international law firms. She leads the firm’s business operations and administrative functions and works closely with the firm’s leadership in developing and implementing continuous improvements, strategic goals and growth initiatives.

What do you enjoy about working as a Practice Director at GJE?

“There are many things I enjoy about working as Practice Director at GJE. I enjoy the excitement of working for a firm that’s always innovating and looking to the future, I enjoy the wide variety of interesting work that my role calls for but mostly I enjoy working with so many people across the firm and that I get to support them in achieving their goals.”

What advice would you give to others considering a similar career?

“Always maintain focus on the big picture.”