To become an intellectual property solicitor, also referred to as an intellectual property attorney or lawyer, you need a legal degree from an accredited university. You will also need to pass your country's certification exam to practice law in a specific geographical area. The position also requires specialized knowledge and experience in the intellectual property field.
In order to secure a legal degree, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree. Aspiring solicitors usually concentrate in philosophy, pre-law studies, government and politics, liberal arts, or other disciplines that will give them a solid background in their country's legal procedures. During the undergraduate years it is also beneficial to do an internship which will give the student exposure to the intellectual property management field. Intellectual property is an increasingly important field in the realm of technology, and is rapidly developing and progressing. An internship may be the best way to gain a foothold in this field.
A juris doctor (JD) degree or its equivalent is necessary in order to become an intellectual property solicitor. You can choose any legal program to attend as long as it is accredited. Oonline law degrees are popular and inexpensive, but these programs are usually not accredited. It is advisable to attend a traditional university which grants the law degree.
In law school, you will encounter many legal concepts including tort, personal injury, contract, and intellectual property law. For students wishing to become an intellectual property solicitor, reading and evaluating past copyright cases will be useful. Such cases set precedent in the field which may be useful to you as you encounter varying intellectual property cases in your future career.
If you did not take an internship at an intellectual property law firm during college or university, you may have an opportunity to do so during law school. Being a law student attracts high quality internship opportunities and will allow you to broaden your knowledge of the intellectual property subject matter. You will also come away with a better appreciation of the practical aspects of law which you can utilize in your legal courses.
After graduating from an accredited law program, it is necessary to receive certification to practice in your chosen geographical area. For example, in the United States, attorneys must past the state bar exam in order to practice law in that state. Studying for the certifying exam requires a great deal of study and dedication. Although it does not test you specifically in intellectual property concepts to become an intellectual property solicitor, knowing these concepts and any court cases associated with them will be useful.
