HLK's Michael Ford has been promoted to partner with effect from 1 May 2024.
Based in the Glasgow office, Michael is a dual-qualified UK and European patent attorney who primarily works with clients in the chemistry and life sciences sector. He has substantial experience of patent drafting and prosecution, freedom-to-operate analysis, and EPO oppositions, working with organisations local to Scotland as well as global corporations.
With a DPhil in Materials Science and a member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), Michael also co-leads the firm's interdisciplinary Materials team. He regularly writes articles for Materials World magazine, often presents on HLK webinars and delivers workshops to members of the Converge network, which works with spinout companies from all of Scotland's universities. Last year, he was recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP.
Michael said: "I am delighted to become a partner at HLK and I am extremely grateful for the support and mentorship I have received since joining the firm. I look forward to the further expansion of the Materials team and our Glasgow office, while continuing to provide the best possible service for clients at home and abroad."
Magnus Johnston, fellow partner in the Glasgow office, commented: "We're thrilled that Michael has been promoted to partner. He has played a significant role in the growth of our Glasgow office and has been a huge asset for the wider firm for a number of years.
"We know how much our clients and colleagues value his expertise, as well as his calm and friendly manner. We look forward to many more years working with Michael as he continues his development."
Our presence in Scotland has expanded rapidly since the Glasgow office first launched, which prompted our move to new premises on the city's Bothwell Street in 2023. Further recruitment and expansion is planned for our Glasgow team later this year.
Michael's promotion to partner is the most senior promotion this May, when four colleagues were also promoted. This follows an array of promotions over the past year, which recognise the value and contribution our people have made to HLK's continuing success.
These include:
- Olivia Crawford and Joanne Addison became Partners
- Rachel McGlue and Ruth Bond were promoted to Senior Associates
- Laura Compton, Melvyn Ansell, Peter Collie, Thomas Hoolaghan, Lauren Cane and Ari Rollason were made Associates
- Mike Higgs, Natalie Fry, Laura Fahy, Jack Young and Romy Fowler become Senior Patent Administrators
- Lucie Gomolova was promoted to Business Support Manager
- Laura Taylor-Jones was promoted to Senior Marketing Executive.
Congratulations to all our colleagues!
