I tend to agree with Mr Selwood’s comments about self-selection. There is a trend here downunder though, and I’m pretty sure you have them State-side, especially for patent and IP solicitors to have double degrees, either in science or engineering, along with their law training. However, most seem to take a generalist degree in science, and unless the engineering degree is in CS or EE, the extra time and expense of study may not be fully utilised, not to mention any postgraduate or specialist training. Already there is a dearth of talent in the EE and CS fields, so the student who sets off on the double-degree path is a rare bird indeed. Then there there is the added burden of continuing professional education in two disciplines. So you can expect that an IP or patent lawyer is going to be more expensive than in the other areas of law, if only because you’re paying for two professionals in the one person.