Meet our Team: Siân Gill

As part of our ‘Meet our Team’ series, we ask our new Managing Partner, Siân Gill, about her journey to becoming a patent attorney, what she loves about Venner Shipley and what she sees for the future of IP

When did you join Venner Shipley?
I joined Venner Shipley in 1998, having previously worked as a technical assistant in a small firm based in Warwick.

How did you get into working in IP or your Current role?
Growing up I was aware of the patent profession because my father was an Examiner at first the UK Patent Office and then at the EPO. It always seemed to be the perfect profession for someone with a keen interest in science and a thirst for learning.

What areas do you currently specialise in in your role?
The technical focus of my patent work has constantly changed over the years. In my first role I was very much a generalist. It was a small firm so I dealt with whatever work we had, regardless of the technical field. When I moved to VS I did a lot of work on drug delivery and new medical uses of known drugs. I now work with a key client of the firm in the field of consumer goods focusing on inventions that fall predominantly in the chemistry and materials space. Having taken on the role of Client Relationship Partner, I am responsible for managing the relationship with this growing client and I help to manage a team of over thirty people who service this client’s need, ensuring everyone is kept up to date with the constant developments in the technical developments, competitor landscape and ways of working.

Having been a Partner for over 20 years, a big part of my role is the management of my team and management of the firm. In my new role of Managing Partner, I will be focusing on the smooth running of the firm and ensuring that we keep growing and improving. The aim is to offer our clients the best service and to offer our staff great opportunities to learn and progress.

What do you enjoy most about working in IP law?
The work of a patent attorney is definitely intellectually challenging and my clients and their cases definitely keep me on my toes. There is a constant need to be at the top of your game to achieve the best outcomes. As a manager, there is the added challenge of getting the best out of my team and the pleasure of seeing their progression and successes.

“I believe that the current climate crisis… could result in us seeing more innovation in all technical fields as improved sustainability becomes an absolute necessity for all.”

Siân Gill, Managing Partner

What’s the best thing about working at Venner Shipley?
There are so many ways to make a contribution and a difference in a firm like Venner Shipley. It brings together so many different skills and specialisms, with talented and motivated individuals. You certainly don’t need to be Managing Partner to have an impact at Venner Shipley!

What do you think is the next big thing (or on the horizon) in IP?
Over the past ten years, I have seen a steady increase in the proportion of innovation that is predominantly driven by companies striving for greater sustainability. I believe that the current climate crisis will accelerate this and could result us in seeing more innovation in all technical fields as improved sustainability becomes an absolute necessity for all.

What do you do outside of work? (hobbies, family?)
Family and a busy job don’t leave a lot of time for hobbies, but I did return to a childhood passion during lockdown when I started ballet classes online. Having something that I do just for myself is refreshing and has definitely improved my mental health!

Tell us a little more about you!
I am passionate about helping people to fulfil their potential and make a difference. This is why Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is very important to me. I am a member of the Senior Leaders’ Think Tank of IP Inclusive and a member of Venner Shipley’s EDI forum.

Find out more about Venner Shipley here.