Industry v Practice

We are often asked by both Lawyers and IP Professionals about the relative benefits of working in either Industry or Private Practice. Each has its particular features, and whether these are advantages or disadvantages, depends on the point of view of the individual who's making the decision - You!

Some of the features are listed below, but to discuss how important they are to you, your life and your career, please talk to one of our consultants.

Industry: 

• No billings targets
• No time sheets, although they can be used as a benchmark to compare costs of outsourcing
• Greater commercial involvement in the business generally
• A more varied caseload, including advising on issues and areas beyond your immediate technical expertise
• Comprehensive benefits packages often including; car, pension, private health, share options, stock units, flexible benefits etc
• Flexible / part-time working
• Work / life balance
• Liaising with outside professionals and managing the outsourcing of work to external legal advisors
• Working within a team with a more varied skills base
• Working within a smaller team of your own technical background

Practice:

• Partnership structure can be financially more lucrative, accessible and tangible
• Partnership provides kudos and part ownership of the business, with more involvement in the direction of it
• Greater freedom to specialise and develop in your preferred area of expertise
• Support of a larger team of similarly qualified professionals around you to learn and seek guidance from - and to pass that learning on to as you become more experienced
• Variety of avenues for career progression
• Flexible hours and part-time working less common
• Marketing and Business Development - if you enjoy the buzz of securing new clients and deals
• Variety of working with different clients, businesses and sectors