Qualification changes everything. The technical knowledge got you through the exams, but early practice demands different skills entirely: commercial judgement, client confidence, professional autonomy, and knowing when to trust your instincts.
This webinar is for attorneys in their first five years post-qualification and those approaching finals. You'll hear honest insights from experienced practitioners on the challenges that actually matter - building client relationships, developing commercial awareness, navigating team dynamics, and establishing yourself whilst protecting your wellbeing.
We'll explore the shift from executing instructions to owning advice. How do you build client trust when you're still building confidence? When does independence become capability rather than overreach? How do you network authentically, contribute meaningfully within your team, and develop the commercial instincts that distinguish strong attorneys?
This session will give practical guidance for the real challenges of early qualified practice, from those who've been there.
What we'll cover:
- Making the transition from trainee to qualified attorney
- Building accountability, autonomy, and commercial awareness
- Developing trust and confidence with clients and colleagues
- Expanding your professional network
- Working effectively within your team
- Prioritising your wellbeing
Meet your speakers
Craig Beaumont, Barker Bretell
Craig is a technically excellent and commercially minded trade mark attorney with a proven track record in delivering commercially driven solutions for clients in a myriad of sectors including sports optics, software & AI, renewable energy, food & drink, and home essentials.
Craig is adept in a wide range of trade mark matters, including negotiating global settlement agreements, devising tailored trade mark filing strategies, and efficiently resolving complex office actions at the UK Intellectual Property Office. He is a strong negotiator with a natural ability to identify workable solutions that preserve his client’s interests.
Catherine Wiseman, Barker Brettell
Catherine has a wealth of experience advising clients on a wide range of trade mark matters including global portfolio management, freedom to use and the registrability of trade marks, as well as filing and prosecuting trade mark applications around the world. She is an excellent negotiator and adept at managing conflict matters. She is also the head of the Trade Mark practice and leads a large number of attorneys.
Catherine’s client portfolio includes UK, EU and global clients amongst which she’s built a formidable reputation for being “pragmatic, commercially astute and a pleasure to work with.” One client commented “Wiseman is an impressive character. Measured, careful and calculated, she doesn’t miss a trick.”
She is a regular attendee at INTA and MARQUES and an elected member of the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) Council, helping to shape the UK profession. As part of the role, she is also on the CITMA Paralegal Committee and currently serves on the Representative Advisory and Working Groups. Catherine is also part of the UKIPO Transformation Programme Critical Friends Group – contributing to the working of the digitalisation and harmonisation of the UKIPO’s services.
Cost
- Member £0 (VAT exempt)
- Standard £35 (VAT exempt)
To note
- Payment online via debit or credit card only; proforma invoices are not available.
- Full terms and conditions apply.
- Closing date: 12.30pm Thursday 26th March 2026
