Timothy C. Bailey, LLB, PhD
Lawyer, Registered Patent and Trademark Agent
Gowling WLG
e. Timothy.Bailey@gowlingwlg.com
https://gowlingwlg.com/en/canada/people/timothy-bailey
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/baileytimothy
Interview:
Q: Tell us a bit about your graduate research. What were your most exciting findings?
My research focused on the impact of mechanical ventilation in causing or contributing to lung injury. We used various in vivo models of lung injury and applied different types of mechanical ventilation. In particular, my studies looked at how high oxygen levels, which are often used in mechanical ventilation to improve blood oxygenation values, can combine with the physical forces of mechanical ventilation to exacerbate lung injury.
Q: Did you know when you entered graduate school that you would most likely pursue a career outside academia?
No.
Q: What skills did you acquire in graduate school that help you in your current position? How did your degree give you an advantage in attaining your position?
Most importantly, graduate school taught me to trust my critical thinking skills and not accept the status quo without further inquiry.
Further, having a Ph.D. and a law degree gives me flexibility in the types of work that I can do. For my patent clients, I think that my Ph.D. gives the client a sense of comfort that they are dealing with someone who has dedicated a significant portion of their adult life to the pursuit of knowledge and an understanding of the world around them.
Q: What are some specific examples of extracurricular activities (outside of research) that you participated in, which helped you get to the position you are at now?
I tried to stay balanced by playing team sports. Playing team sports as an adult translates well into working on a team, whether that team is made of other members of my firm, a client or both.
Q: How did you learn about the posting for your current job?
From a colleague in a similar position at a different firm.
Q: What are some suggestions for networking?
In my experience, most people in the Canadian patent agent profession welcome cold-calls from people who are interested in learning more about becoming a patent agent. Most Canadian patent agents also have post-graduate degrees; however, this does not generally include a law degree. As such, it is easy for many patent agents to relate to graduate students who may be looking for an alternative to academia.
Q: What is one piece of advice you can offer to current graduate students? To current post-doctoral fellows?
Always challenge yourself to look for different opportunities. You never know where life can take you if you let it.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is working with innovators who are at the leading edge of their field of expertise. These innovators are often charged with excitement and energy to proceed with their project. In working with these people, I too become energized while I am continually learning through exposure to the innovator’s interesting technology.
Q: What does your perfect Sunday look like?
Getting up early and playing with my young children while drinking a strong coffee.
