Trainee Patent Attorney - Chemistry (2025)

Applications are now open for our first round of assessments for the 2025 graduate scheme. We have positions in our Cambridge and London offices.

As a graduate entrant you will be given full support to achieve qualification as a chartered UK and European patent attorney. We run our own comprehensive in-house ‘Training Academy’ which combines tutorials, and lectures as well as mentoring and supervision from partners and other qualified attorneys. In addition, you will also gain a range of commercial skills, such as business development and client care, as part of our on-going personal development programme.

Please visit the graduate section of our website for more information about our Training Academy and our Chemistry and Life Sciences practice group.

Applications close on 19 January 2025. We anticipate first round interviews will take place w/c 3 and 10 February 2025. First round interviews will take place via video call and we are aiming to run second round interviews in person in late February 2025. Please note you will not hear from us about your application until the deadline has closed. 

You will have gained at least a 2:1 degree in chemistry. Applications are also welcomed from those completing a doctorate, undertaking postgraduate research or working in industry in a chemistry field.

In addition, you need to have a natural curiosity to find out how things work, excellent communication skills and meticulous attention to detail. You need to demonstrate technical excellence, an interest in the commercial world and appreciate the importance of intellectual property to businesses. Due to the international nature of the work, foreign languages are an advantage, but not essential.

Working as a patent attorney requires not only an excellent technical and academic background but also the ability to draft comprehensive documents and defend complex legal arguments. It is a challenging and rewarding role enabling you to be involved with leading edge research as well as understanding and supporting the commercial objectives of a diverse client base worldwide.

• Competitive salary dependent on qualification and experience
• 26 days’ annual holiday, plus statutory holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Gymflex scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Payment of membership fees to professional bodies required for the role
• Exam and study leave
• Hybrid working
• Access to mental health and wellbeing information and support
• Discounts portal (retail, travel, days out etc.)