3 Is the Magic Number for IP Specialist Virtuoso Legal

Leeds and London-based intellectual property law specialist Virtuoso Legal announce the qualification and retention of three of their trainees.

Razvan Popa, Lauren Waterman and James Gilmer have all entered the SRA roll of solicitors in the past two weeks and have been retained by the firm as associate solicitors.

Razvan and Lauren joined the team in 2018, with James joining in March 2019. All three began trainee solicitor roles following successful internships with the firm across its Leeds and London offices.

Retention and growth of the team bucks the trend in challenging times for law firms, many of whom have experienced a challenging environment in terms of both workload and staff retention.

Who Are Virtuoso Legal?

Virtuoso Legal is an IP specialist law firm established in 2007 by principal and founder Elizabeth Ward. Having worked in several top tier firms Elizabeth found IP had become peripheral within commercial law, despite the clear emergence of a “clicks not bricks” economy.

Since 2007, Virtuoso Legal has achieved a number of landmark successes against outsized opponents, such as Argos UK and Invista, through unparalleled IP expertise.

Many of these successes have been bolstered by the encouragement of key young team members into critical roles within the firm.

Comment from Qualifying Solicitors

The qualifying solicitors have provided comment in relation to this news.

Razvan Popa stated:

“I am proud to have qualified and especially at Virtuoso Legal. This is primarily because the opportunity given to me by the firm and the encouragement colleagues had given me early on was instrumental in my decision to focus on intellectual property in particular.”

“I am so happy also to be working with such a great bunch of people. Whilst the team are clearly one of the best in the country for what they do. There is a lot to be said for the family feeling at Virtuoso.“

“I am so happy that the hard work has paid off and that whilst crossing the line I have been able to (and will continue to be able to) provide the benefit of that hard work to our clients.”

Lauren Waterman added:

“I’m overjoyed to finally be qualified as a solicitor.” “It has felt like such a long time coming. I have worked extremely hard over the last couple of years to get where I am now. I’m extremely proud of what I have already achieved.”

“I enjoyed my training contract at Virtuoso Legal, gaining experience and building my IP and commercial knowledge to achieve some great results for clients.” “I am excited to start my next chapter and to continue to work with a fantastic set of clients to achieve their commercial aims.”

Finally, James Gilmer said:

“Qualification is a challenging experience for any solicitor to-be. It’s been great to achieve this at a firm like Virtuoso Legal who support you and understand that not only are you a lawyer but you also you have a life to live.”

“Working with this team is fantastic. Whilst we have some serious experience and expertise in-house, each member of the team brings something different to the table.”

“I now look back on my qualification fondly and love the idea of taking the step up to the next level and delivering even more for our clients.”

Comment from the Leadership Team

The leadership team have expressed their delight at retaining key team members and what the continuity of service will mean for their clients.

Vice-principal Kirsten Toft said:

“I'm thrilled to see three of our trainees qualify as solicitors during these difficult times. They are all very capable and I expect to see them do some amazing things in the future!"

"Well done Razvan, Lauren and James.”

Principal and Founder Elizabeth Ward of Virtuoso Legal concluded:

“We’ve recruited three really good people as trainees. Traineeship followed by qualification is difficult at the best of times. All three have demonstrated incredible level-headedness to deal with current circumstances, their workload and study."

“We’re delighted that following qualification they’ve joined us to continue their career. Razvan, Lauren and James each offer something different and have built fantastic relationships with our clients."

“What’s more they all have demonstrated incredible talent and passion for IP from Day one and rightfully take their place within a team who thrive because of exactly that."

“Well done all!”