Nikola Errington

IP Attorney

“An opportunity to live and work abroad at an early stage in your career is an invaluable experience. For me, working hard was always balanced by being able to enjoy life in Japan through making friends and exploring the country and having a sense of humor. Whenever I explain my time in Japan to someone, I always say that something new, funny or strange happened every day, even on tough days - there was always something that would happen to give you some perspective, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to be in such a special place.”

 

What was the most difficult aspect of adjusting to Japan?

When I moved to Japan it was the first time I had lived abroad so, like many, I missed my family and friends and the comfort that comes from familiarity with your home country. After time though, this became easier as learning a new language, culture and way of life became fun, rather than just an obstacle!

What has been your fondest experience in Japan?

Some of my fondest leisure experiences include: riding on the Shinkansen to Tokyo, laying a blue sheet under the cherry-blossom trees during hanami season, nights at karaoke, day-trips to Kyoto, eating ramen in Shinsaibashi, soaking at the onsen, my first snow-boarding trip to Hokkaido, Fuji Rock music festival in the summer, beaches in Okinawa and visiting art galleries all over the country.

What sort of work did you get and was it challenging?

I worked on trademarks and unfair competition matters at the firm, and was challenged on a daily basis. Our team worked with a diverse array of clients with a range of complex issues ranging from registration, appeals, non-use cancellations, litigation, and business-to-business negotiations. In all areas clients expected the highest quality of advice within tight deadlines, our group always strove to meet these expectations.

What did you like most about working?

The diverse clients and complex matters that we were faced with, working and learning from my Japanese colleagues and the high level of personal responsibility for my work and team.

How did your time at the Firm help you in your current position?

The firm instilled a great sense of work ethic in me from very early in my career. This work ethic will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time, dedication, focus and follow-through are all important elements in working life that are transferable to any area that you may end up in. In addition, working in Japan gave me the confidence to continue to pursue working abroad in other countries and cultures.

What is the most important thing that working at SY has taught you about yourself?

That pursuing work abroad will bring you more benefits than just career development, it will open your eyes to different ways of living, interacting with people and will set you in good stead for moving forward in any direction that you choose.

What advice would you give to entry level recruits?

An opportunity to live and work abroad at an early stage in your career is an invaluable experience. For me, working hard was always balanced by being able to enjoy life in Japan through making friends and exploring the country and having a sense of humor. Whenever I explain my time in Japan to someone, I always say that something new, funny or strange happened every day, even on tough days - there was always something that would happen to give you some perspective, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to be in such a special place.