Chris Hoole – Cambridgeshire Law Society’s Rising Star

CHRIS HOOLE Partner Appleyard Lees Cambridgeshire Law Society’s Rising Star

On 23 April 2021, Chris Hoole of Appleyard Lees was announced as the winner of Cambridgeshire Law Society’s Rising Star category at our annual Legal Excellence Awards. Chris is a dually qualified solicitor and trade mark attorney who is named as a key individual in Legal 500. He is also ranked in the top 1000 trade mark attorneys worldwide by WTR 1000.

This year’s panel of Judges were in no doubt that Chris was well deserving of the Rising Star award not only because of his impressive professional credentials and contribution to the success of Appleyard Lees’ Cambridge team but also due to the ways in which he has adapted his practice to meet the challenges created by COVID-19.

Following his win, Chris took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his work and life in Cambridgeshire and to tell us what life has been like relocating in the middle of a pandemic.

What made you go into the law and, specifically, the world of Intellectual Property?

My interest in law was first sparked at secondary school. I unusually had the opportunity of taking two elective GCSE modules, law and economics, each over the course of a year. Our teacher, Brian Souter MBE, self-taught in the law, was particularly inspirational. Through his classes I was drawn to the academic, strategic and commercial aspects of the legal profession. It was at University that my path towards IP started to take shape, with the introduction of Cyber Law, combined with European Law. I was fascinated by the harmonised, global nature of certain legal areas. My decision to pursue the specialism was solidified on the LPC where I took an elective in intellectual property law. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to then follow my passion in IP and to qualify in the area.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a Solicitor or a Trade Mark Attorney?

Coming from a family of engineers with a non-legal background, it took me a while to identify the key to pursuing a career in the law. However, looking back, I think one of the main factors has to lie in experience. Where possible, I’d advise any fledgling lawyer to gain as much experience, in as many areas of law as possible, whether that be shadowing a solicitor or attorney, vacation placement or paralegal work. Not only does this provide an invaluable insight into the profession, it can really enhance a CV.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

I think the two biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career were, firstly, finding a training contract, and then, secondly, going on to secure a post-trainee role in IP. I don’t think I could pick one as the most challenging, both taking an equal amount of perseverance. What is the highlight of your career to date?

Probably landing my first multi-national client, mostly due to the way it came about. Having acted on the opposing side to the multi-national, I received a call from their counsel a few months after the matter resolved, asking me if I’d represent the company in relation to enforcement matters in the UK. It was a huge compliment, and massively surprising.

What do you find most satisfying about your job?

Intellectual property law is never black and white. I think this is one of the aspects of the specialism that drew me to IP, and to this day, I still find the critical nature of my job extremely satisfying. Obviously, winning any court or tribunal case also has to be up there!

What does an average day look like?

I honestly don’t think there is a typical day in my profession. As a dual-qualified IP solicitor and chartered trade mark attorney, working for a full-service IP firm, the scope of my work differs enormously, from complex patent litigation to advising on trade mark filings, brand strategy, and Crown copyright. Equally, I act for a very wide spectrum of clients, from start-ups and sole traders, to international behemoths, meaning that commercial strategy, filing and litigation tactics differ from case-to-case, balancing and adapting to the needs and overall objective of that particular client. 2020/1 has also meant a gear shift in my normal work life. Court and IP registry hearings are now virtual, as too are the many conferences. Office life aside, life certainly isn’t typical mid-pandemic, working from home with a small, very energetic toddler in the background!

What do you do when you are not at work?

Whilst fatherhood has taken front seat outside of the law, I’m still a keen cyclist. Post lockdown, I’ve have had the opportunity of joining Cambridge Cycling Club, partaking in weekly time trials. If I’m not spending time with my family or cycling, I’m usually in the gym or out for dinner, exploring the local restaurant scene (now we can).

What’s your favourite thing about working and living in Cambridgeshire?

I’ve just spent over a year living and working in Cambridge, but I’ve already fallen for its charm. The City is both vibrant and relaxed, with a wonderful eclectic mix. One of my highlights is taking my son to the City for a walk through the centre, followed by an ice-cream in Lammas land, surrounded by cows. The legal community has also been extremely welcoming, which has really helped with my relocation. And, obviously, as a cyclist, I could not be in a more fitting place!