Meet your CITMA Paralegal representative – Kane Ridley
Hear what Kane Ridley has planned in his new role.
Kane has been a CITMA Paralegal since 2016 and has over 15 years’ experience working in intellectual property (IP).
When Kane finished college, he wanted to get straight into work. “Living close to London, it was a natural step to look for vacancies in the city. I landed a temp position for a large solicitor’s firm as a junior records clerk and never looked back” Kane told us.
When Kane became a CITMA Paralegal member, he enjoyed the continuous learning through CPD as well as the annual paralegal seminars, which provide chances to learn and network with friends and colleagues across the industry.
Working behind the scene
Kane began working behind the scenes at CITMA through the late Roy Scott. “Roy had a certain way in which he would scoop you up in his enthusiasm, and before you knew it, he had you committing to something without you realising” says Kane.
“From then on, it has felt like a natural progression to join the CITMA Paralegal working groups, leading on to represent CITMA Paralegals on Council.”
Passionate volunteers and a great community are what Kane enjoys the most working behind the scenes. “Whilst I have made some good friends, it also keeps my working knowledge sharp” Kane adds.
Working behind the scenes at CITMA has pushed Kane out of his comfort zones he told us – particularly with speaking in public. “I am not the most confident of public speakers. So, any time I finish a presentation, webinar or lecture I get a great sense of achievement…and relief!”
Looking forward
In his new role, Kane tells us one of the biggest challenges for him will be providing CITMA Paralegals with the type of CPD that will benefit current working knowledge and improve skillsets.
“All working groups are comprised of volunteers passionate about their craft, but it is a small pool of people to draw on for setting, creating and distributing CPD. This is why feedback from the membership is so important.
“I would also like to see more networking opportunities for Trade Mark Paralegals, Formalities staff and Administrators which fall under the umbrella of CITMA Paralegal.”
Kane told us he is excited to be playing an active role within CITMA to help shape the future of the trade mark profession and most importantly to be the voice of CITMA Paralegals in Council.
Balance
Away from the office Kane enjoys spending time with family. “I have two young children who keep me very busy. Children aside, I am a sci-fi geek and love anything to do with Star Wars, Marvel and astronomy”.
Although behind the scenes work at CITMA and family can be hard to balance, Kane told us he manages to fit his CITMA work around his core working hours.
When we asked Kane if he had any advice for anyone who is thinking of joining a CITMA working group or committee he said:
“Do it! If you have the time, are willing to commit and your employer is happy for you to do so. We are always looking for fresh ideas and new people to ensure the content we put out is helpful, instructive and of value to the Paralegal membership”.
If you have any questions you’d like to ask you can reach Kane through email on [email protected]