Is there a secret to climbing the career ladder?
The Women in IP Careers Guidance survey results are now in! Take a look at the insights into how different firms and companies support their employees and assist with career progression.
Executive Summary
In 2025, the Women in IP Career Guidance Focus Group conducted a survey on the requirements and barriers to career progression. Feedback was received from 147 respondents who spanned all professional levels.
The results highlight significant workplace barriers to promotion, with nearly half of respondents reporting no published criteria for advancement and limited access to sponsors or formal training.
While mentoring schemes and sponsors are available in some companies, support is inconsistent, especially for alternative career paths and apprenticeships.
Firms appear to provide options for extended leave and parental/care giver support, although the time period of leave and level of support is variable.
The findings suggest a need for clearer frameworks and more equitable support structures to foster career progression for women in IP.
Download the full Women in IP Careers Guidance survey results.
Find out more at our event
Join us for a thought-provoking evening as Women in IP present the main findings of the survey. We’ll be exploring how different organisations are supporting their teams, sharing insights into transparency for progressing your career, and discussing practical steps for climbing the career ladder. Expect lively discussion, best practice sharing, and opportunities to connect with others who are have trodden that path or are also considering their next steps.
This hybrid event will take place on Tuesday 3 February 2026, 6 pm, both in person at Mewburn Ellis’ London office and online.
Page published on 21st January 2026
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