Five minutes with…Ashton Chantrielle, 8 New Square

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Five minutes with…Ashton Chantrielle, 8 New Square

Fivemins2.jpg

Ashton Chantrielle discusses why her job does not involve making coffee and reveals that, in another life, she would have worked in a plant nursery

Someone asks you at a party what you do for a living. What do you say?

I am an intellectual property barrister, and no, that does not involve making coffee!

Talk us through a typical working day.

As a barrister, I am self-employed, which means that in theory where and how I work is ultimately up to me. However, in reality, it really depends on what task needs to be done so my days vary greatly.

For example, on some days I am in court, presenting a case before a Judge or Master. On others, I am in chambers drafting legal documents, preparing for a hearing, or advising clients in conference. The variety keeps it interesting

What are you working on at the moment?

My practice focuses on soft IP, so lots of my work concerns major brands, interesting copyright disputes, and regular fashion and design work.

At the moment, I’m working on a hard-fought dispute concerning TV format rights and recently appeared in the England and Wales Court of Appeal on a trademark and passing off matter concerning custom smartwatch backgrounds.

Does one big piece of work usually take priority or are you juggling multiple things?

I am always juggling multiple things, it’s the nature of the job. I tend to have several matters on at the same time but at different stages of the litigation. At times one big piece of work can take up a lot of my time but as long as I prioritise matters appropriately, it does not cause any difficulties.

What is the most exciting aspect of your role and what is the most stressful?

The most exciting part is also the most stressful, and that is appearing in court. I always want to make sure that I am prepared for every eventuality, but you can never escape the unpredictable, and court work is always unpredictable, especially in complex IP disputes. It definitely keeps you on your toes!

Tell us the key characteristics that make a successful IP lawyer/practitioner.

My trouble with this question is that success is entirely subjective and there are so many ways in which someone can be a successful IP barrister. I believe that although having a thorough understanding of the law and the subject matter is crucial, it is always important to keep a close eye on the client’s commercial objections as it will greatly affect your strategy.

What is the most common misconception about IP?

A common misconception about IP is that there is anything "soft" about soft IP. My more patent-focused colleagues in chambers often comment on how challenging and technical the law in soft IP is.

What or who inspires you?

My mother. I know this sounds cliche, but she has been the most inspirational figure in my life. She has taught me the true value of success and reminds me that the key is to strive for balance.

If you weren’t in IP, what would you be doing?

I would own a plant nursery.

Any advice you would give your younger self?

Just be good at what you do, but remember to enjoy it too. The first part of that advice was given to me by a more senior practitioner many years ago, and it has been the most useful advice to date.

What is your motto in life?

Everything happens for a reason.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Sources explain why return-to-office mandates could hamper efficiency at the USPTO
The Unified Patent Court surpassing 700 cases and a row between Apple and PanOptis were among the top talking points this week
Partners at four firms explain how they help clients join in the hype around the big game without attracting the NFL’s wrath
We discuss how law firms are using AI, whether remote working has resulted in cost-savings, and what corporate counsel want from their advisers when it comes to DEI
Matthew Yeates, managing director at Integrated IP, discusses its acquisition of Clark IP and reveals further expansion plans
Paul Lee discusses moving from venture capital to IP, why lawyers are becoming more receptive to tech, and why he starts his day with a cold plunge
Barbara Lawton, a counsellor and mental health trainer at wellbeing charity Jonathan’s Voice, outlines tips for engaging with vulnerable people
New partner Amir Ghavi, who will help launch the group, says he expects more lateral hires in the coming weeks
Counsel at three firms reveal the tools they’re using to generate patent invalidity claim charts and why they’re making investments in the technology
Eric Lee says the firm’s thought leadership on artificial intelligence convinced him to move
Gift this article