Best brains in...

I am particularly strong in complex matters that require strategic thinking. For example, I managed the ground-breaking trade mark and comparative advertising case O2 v Hutchison 3G which reached the European Court of Justice. My instructing lawyer commented: "Alex is a class act ... I would be very disappointed if I did not have access to her". I have also successfully represented Hasbro in the Hasbro v 123 & others brand litigation focusing on the PLAY-DOH brand and the play dough sign. On the patents side I have extensive experience in portfolio licensing and litigation in the telco sector.

Highlight of your career so far?

Successfully acting for a group of global banking institutions in defeating a patent at the European Patent Office which would, if it had survived, cut across financial trading as we know it. The case was high value, high stakes and involved complex arguments combined with the management of a diverse group of client interests - a perfect mixture of intellectual and personal challenge with high stakes.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

Absorbing the technical detail in a group of 30 patents in the telecommunications field while travelling to the US on less than an hour's notice to assist in formulating a strategy to deliver a particular negotiating position. By dint of not sleeping and utter immersion we delivered and the client was able to move forward successfully.

What about outside the UK?

A great deal of my work involves either overseas matters or providing UK litigation in light of the client's involvement in proceedings elsewhere in the world. For example, I managed a patent case to the Court of Appeal on behalf of an American corporation concerning allegations made by one of the major Korean monitor manufacturers. US and UK proceedings were served on the same day but our client was successful in a finding of non-infringement and invalidity. We pushed the litigation timetable hard and were able to secure this Court of Appeal judgment prior to the US trial which was helpful in increasing pressure on the claimant in the US. To deliver this, I worked closely with the US attorneys which resulted in the following quote from the US law firm partner running their litigation: "I want to take this opportunity to say thanks for all that you have contributed to the effort - sage advice, patience, great analytical skills, a calming demeanour and a keen understanding of the issues involved. It has been a true pleasure to work with you."

What's your definition of going the extra mile... And when have you done it?

Personally tracking down a witness of fact on a prior use argument to his home in the Florida swamps and persuading him to testify in a UK case. The personal approach reaped rewards and contributed to our team winning the longest-running patent case the UK has yet seen.

Best example of a creative legal solution?

When advising a major toy manufacturer on looky-likey products to avoid paying her fees and concentrate solely on reporting the looky-likey products to the various child safety institutes and Trading Standards - a highly effective solution for the client with an almost nil-value legal bill.

When have you ever given a client a real competitive edge?

By winning litigation!

What's your single greatest contribution to Wragge & Co's corporate responsibility?

I am part of our annual team who participates in the local community by taking on projects. This has involved renovating the nature park at a local secondary school - digging out the pond was a particular delight! I have also assisted with training on interview techniques for people returning to work after long-term unemployment.

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

A major telecommunications software provider's head of legal recently wrote in an email to a fellow partner: "I was very impressed by Alex - she is obviously very bright and thoughtful and created just the right impression".