11/06/2026
Some legal work is not transactional.
It is long-term, international and built on trust.
That was one of the clearest takeaways from Rebecca Dobson’s time at INTA in London.
For those outside the IP world, INTA is one of the major international gatherings for trademark professionals. For Rebecca and the team, it wasn't just a chance to attend another industry event. It was an opportunity to strengthen the relationships that sit behind effective global IP work.
Rebecca described it as the moment where names at the bottom of emails become actual people.
Which is important.
When you are protecting IP across multiple jurisdictions, you aren't just sending instructions into the ether and hoping for the best. You need people who understand the client’s business, the commercial pressures, the local risks, and the strategy behind the work.
During INTA, Rebecca and the team hosted and attended a number of events, including a breakfast meeting for one of Rebecca’s key clients, bringing together their in-house IP team with international associates from across the world.
The purpose wasn't just introductions.
It was about giving those associates a clearer understanding of the business, the enforcement priorities, the strategy being developed, and the way everyone needs to work together across jurisdictions.
That is where specialist legal work becomes more than technical advice.
It becomes coordination.
Relationship-building.
Commercial understanding.
Judgement.
Trust.
And it is a strong example of what the Legal Studio model can support.
Consultant law is sometimes misunderstood as a smaller way to practise. Rebecca’s work shows something very different.
It can be highly specialist.
International.
Deeply embedded in client strategy.
Built around long-term relationships rather than short-term transactions.
And occasionally, it also involves a great deal of badge-reading, London transport chaos and turning email signatures into people.
