Ceili enjoys the complexities of the role of a patent attorney and getting to grips with often complicated technologies before presenting the advance made to non-specialists and also discussing what can be intricate legal points with scientists and business leaders.

Her academic background is in physics with a degree from Oxford University and a doctorate in which she investigated the interaction between electromagnetic waves and crystalline matter, including both nonlinear optical properties and diffuse X-ray scattering. This background has provided a solid base for divergence into the technologies required for the modern patent attorney. Her practice has covered inventions that range from pneumatic valve components to oil field drilling equipment; from toasters and coffee makers to applications of algorithms; from telecommunications and image processing to industrial fabrics and material processing; and of course a range of others besides.

Equally important is an awareness of a client’s business and commercial interests. Ceili’s client base is similarly diverse with advice and assistance given to sole traders, to SMEs and to multi-national corporations.

Prior to SH&P, Ceili worked for five years at DERA (now QinetiQ), a government research establishment where, in addition to handling patent applications, she also gained experience in licensing and contractual matters affecting intellectual property.

Ceili enjoys spending her spare time with her family, in particular travelling with her children. Despite the journeys involved, she has still not managed to persuade any of them of the joys of solving cryptic crossword puzzles.