Hanna Zuckerman’s story proves it’s never too late— My Unlikely Internship Journey

If you had told me a few years ago that on the verge of my retirement, I’d be an intern at CDS-LUTHI, learning the intricate world of patents, I would have never believed it! But here I am, living proof that it’s never too late to learn something completely new.

My journey into patent law has been like learning a new language—one where scientists look for truth, but patent attorneys are striving for protection. Trust me, shifting my mindset was no easy feat. But I was fortunate to have an exceptional mentor, Svetlana Stadler, guiding me every step of the way. With sharp intellect and infinite patience, Svetlana taught me not just the technicalities, but the art of thinking like a patent attorney. She gently pointed out when my claims were too narrow, when my understanding was flawed, and most importantly—how to see an invention through a legal lens rather than a scientific one.

There were moments of doubt, many lessons to absorb, and times where I had to admit, “I got that completely wrong.” But with Svetlana Stadler סבטלנה שטדלר support and the incredible team at CDS-Luthi, I kept going.

And today, I am thrilled (and slightly in disbelief) to say that I’ve transitioned from intern to associate at CDS! Of course, passing the exams is only a symbolic milestone—there is still so much to learn. But this new chapter is an exciting challenge, and I can’t wait to prove that I can contribute to the success of this remarkable team.

So, to anyone wondering if they’re “too old” to start over—whether in patent law, tech, or any other dream you put on hold—let me tell you: the best time to begin is now, and this is an incredible place to start.