CITMA Benevolent Fund welcomes two new trustees
We’re delighted to welcome two new trustees to the board for our Benevolent Fund, a charity which supports our members and their families in times of financial hardship.
Founded in 2010, the Fund provides confidential short-term financial assistance where other sources of support, such as employers or social services, are unavailable.
Amanda McDowall, Partner and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, and Natasha Devlin, CITMA Paralegal, are the latest members to join the board of trustees and assist those in need.
Your new trustees
Amanda McDowall
Amanda heads up a brand protection team, helping clients across all aspects of brand selection, protection, enforcement and exploitation.
Growing up, she spent a lot of time involved in music and the performing arts, and they remain a passion of hers today. Amanda explains how intellectual property law combined her “love of the creative arts, with logic and structure” and so she knew from a young age that was what she wanted to do.
Amanda first came across the trade mark profession when she met a Trade Mark Attorney on a vacation scheme during university holidays. The chance to specialise immediately and train while working was something that really appealed to her. She secured a training contract soon after graduating and in February 2021, joined media and entertainment firm, Lee & Thompson LLP.
On becoming a trustee, Amanda said, “I’ve gained so much from the trade mark profession, and the CITMA community, and I’m keen to use some of my time to support others and give back.
“Life is unpredictable. Even when things are going well, that can change in an instant. The Benevolent Fund provides a valuable resource to people that unexpectedly find themselves in difficulties.”
Natasha added, “We’re a tight-knit and friendly profession, and being able to support our colleagues in times of need is an important way that we can give back and support each other.”
Natasha Devlin
Natasha is a CITMA-qualified IP Paralegal, working across a range of IP matters, with a focus on trade marks.
She joined the profession almost four years ago, initially working as a Patent Paralegal at a small firm in Cheltenham. After moving into the firm’s trade team, Natasha said, “suddenly the work made so much more sense” and she loved what she was doing so decided to undertake the CITMA Paralegal Course.
She later relocated to Bristol to be closer to her partner and, after looking into several firms, joined Stevens Hewlett & Perkins, explaining, “I could really see myself building a long-term career there.”
Speaking about the Fund, Natasha said, “I was keen to become involved because I wanted to play a role in the wider community around our profession,” adding, “I also wanted an opportunity to give something back.”
Natasha also highlighted the importance of the Fund, “It plays an important role in supporting people within our profession when they face difficult or unexpected circumstances.
“The support it provides can make a real difference to people when they need it most, and I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to that work as a trustee.”
For more information on your trustees, how to make an application or how to donate to the Fund, view the Benevolent Fund page here. You can also contact Mike Knight, Chair of the Fund, directly at [email protected].