Spotlight on our people – meet Gosia Evans

Our Spotlight on our people series allows us to showcase our legal professionals and uncover more about the people behind the expert legal advice. This time, we caught up with Senior Contentious Intellectual Property Solicitor, Gosia Evans. Gosia joined us in September 2024, after spending over 7 years at Cardiff-based firm, Geldards LLP. Gosia also has previous experience working at Bevan Brittan LLP, Capital Law and as an in-house legal officer.

How did you begin your career?

‘My career began in a different jurisdiction,’ says Gosia. ‘I’m originally from Poland, where I earned my first degree at the University of Warsaw. I started my legal career while I was at university, working at a variety of commercial law firms.’

During her university years, Gosia worked closely with a trade mark and patent attorneys as a paralegal which inspired her to pursue a career in intellectual property law.

‘Their deep knowledge of both intellectual property and competition law was truly inspiring. They were not only highly skilled but also incredibly supportive, which solidified my decision to pursue a career in intellectual property law. It’s a dynamic and fast-growing field with plenty of opportunities. That experience also encouraged me to reflect on my own strengths – I’ve always had a talent for writing and a logical mindset – so I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’.’

Has the industry lived up to your expectations?

‘I knew that a legal career would involve hard work,’ Gosia shares. ‘I also understood that humility would be essential because you’re constantly learning – no one starts with all the knowledge they need. It is important that you are open to learning from others, especially clients. Every case teaches me something new.’

‘What surprised me most about the legal sector was the range of skills needed beyond the law itself. Law school doesn’t prepare you for the fact that, as a senior practitioner, you will be required to wear many hats. You’re not just advising on legal matters – you also take on responsibilities in respect of people management, business development and financial oversight, which aren’t talked about enough. That being said, I don’t see them as a challenge, but as an opportunity to progress.

On a strictly legal front, IP law is such a diverse field that has allowed me to meet people from all backgrounds, each bringing unique, creative, and innovative ideas. As their advisor, the ability to learn from them and continuously expand my knowledge is fascinating.’  

What are your main areas of IP expertise?

‘Traditionally, I come from a commercial litigation background. Over the years, I have built up my experience as an IP asset manager,’ Gosia explains. ‘I advise on brand protection strategies, IP rights management and enforcement. Trade marks, passing off, branding and copyright are a big part of my practice, however, I advise in relation to all IP rights (such as design and patent disputes), various IP contract disputes and other associated legal issues’.

How have you found working at Harper James so far?

‘Everyone I’ve worked with so far has been incredibly welcoming, friendly, and open to new ideas. For me, the firm’s greatest strength is its openness and willingness to embrace new perspectives. In such a traditional industry, being part of a truly progressive firm is a big deal –it’s been a major shift coming from a more conventional environment. It’s also reassuring to know that I have the freedom to participate in business development and marketing when I want to, as well as rely on my colleagues’ expertise thanks to the dedicated teams we have supporting those areas.’

‘I’m also impressed with the firm’s commercial approach and recognising that we need to reach out to businesses who don’t necessarily have immediate access to high-quality legal services due to various barriers. As an IP lawyer, I think it’s absolutely crucial that businesses have access to affordable, quality IP advice from the outset and throughout their lifecycle because IP is really the beating heart of any business.’

Can you recall any key moments of your career so far?

‘I think a key highlight was getting my first job in the UK after graduating,’ Gosia shares. ‘I was working in-house, and in many ways, I can see how it has defined my career choices going forward. That experience gave me a strong commercial outlook – I did not have a wider in-house legal team, and I found it valuable to work alongside colleagues responsible for product development and observe the process from start to finish. I learnt a lot about how the different functions of the business – including marketing and branding – operated and what they expected from their lawyers. I also got an insight into what it’s like to work with larger organisations and negotiate commercial deals. That experience has shaped my approach as I’ve moved through my career.’

‘Another defining moment in my career was leading the contentious IP team at my previous firm. I was responsible for developing strategic work pipelines and identifying future revenue opportunities, alongside managing business development and marketing for my practice area. I organised events, talks, and workshops, which gave me a new perspective on the wider aspects of a legal career. It was truly a well-rounded experience!’

What do you think your clients value the most about the way you work with them?

‘I believe my clients would say they value my honesty. I don’t just tell people – my clients included – what they want to hear. Instead, I provide straightforward, well-considered advice that helps them make informed decisions. I also ensure I’m always well-prepared. I stay on top of the legal developments and I am attentive to client needs. Beyond that, I strive to be professional, approachable, and empathetic.’

What’s the best piece of legal advice you could give a business?

‘It is essential to recognise that high-quality legal advice may not always be high up on the list of priorities for some businesses and that it requires allocation of financial resources,’ Gosia says. ‘The value of our work may often be considered invisible in that it is reflected in the savings resulting from avoiding more serious legal pitfalls longer-term. If a business decides not to obtain advice at the right time, this could be a very costly mistake, especially in IP law. This is why, while you may not have an unlimited legal budget, it’s crucial to dedicate some of your resources and engage a good legal adviser early on.’

I would always recommend taking the time to research and find the right legal adviser for your business – then stick with them and don’t cut corners! Your lawyer should understand your business inside and out and, in many ways, act as an extension of your team.’

Who or what inspires you?

‘I have always been surrounded by very capable, professional women, within my family and a wider friendship group. Their strong values and confidence in their decision-making have shaped me.

The reality of entering a professional world in a different country, as a young woman, and subsequently returning to it in a senior role as a mother, wasn’t always straightforward. Whilst I am fortunate to work for a progressive and supportive firm now, I am also very aware of various difficulties faced by many businesswomen - lawyers and clients alike - particularly those in industries where women have been underrepresented.

I have been working with various organisations in Wales championing female leadership, providing mentoring to female professionals and, more recently, focusing on the topic particularly close to my heart, improving female participation and retention in STEM. As an IP lawyer, many of my clients originate from STEM industries. There is no need to explain the importance of STEM to all of us. The issue to focus on now is, in my view, addressing the underrepresentation of certain groups in STEM which is adversely affecting our day-to-day lives – including in the context of healthcare, technology etc.

My second home, Cardiff, has recently been rated a No 1 UK city to start a business. It is a vibrant business scene with an established SME network and a huge entrepreneurial potential. It is truly inspiring to be able to collaborate with local organisations recognising this. They are working very hard to create the right environment for the best people, regardless of their individual characteristics, to connect with the best advisors and investors and grow their business ventures. The goal, which I fully support, is to enable and capitalise on local talent and to make sure it does not stay untapped or become lost due to obstacles that should no longer exist in 2025.’ 

What do you do to unwind?

‘I practice yoga and love spending time by the sea, bodyboarding and cold-water swimming. I live near the Welsh coast – it’s amazing to see my little one enjoy having the seaside right on our doorstep. If not on the beach, you will find me and my family (including our dog and two cats) out on an adventure or hosting friends – it’s rarely quiet!’