This profession represents an intellectually challenging and rewarding career option that offers scope to develop and apply your scientific knowledge. It brings together a unique blend of science, law and business skills.
The academic requirements are rigorous. At J A Kemp we require, in addition to at least 360 UCAS points, a minimum of a 2.1 honours degree in a scientific or technical subject, preferably physics, engineering (whether general or specific such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, marine, aeronautical), metallurgy or materials science. We are open to applications from candidates holding or studying for a bachelors, masters or PhD degree.
The skills and personal qualities that we look for include:
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Accuracy and an eye for detail
• An ability to explain complex matters clearly
• An analytical mind
• High levels of organisation and motivation
• A proactive, outgoing approach
• Team player qualities
• Listening skills
• An interest in both scientific matters and intellectual property
We offer a programme of training to take you right through to qualification as a patent attorney (European and UK Chartered). You will have an experienced mentor from day one to expose you to a variety of work, set targets for your performance and development and support you throughout your training. In-house tutorials provide an excellent way for you to learn the basics and mix with trainees and attorneys from other groups. We also send you on external courses, such as those run by the Queen Mary (Certificate in Intellectual Property Law) and the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys.
Our reputation for training and record of first-time examination successes are second to none. We continue to support your professional development throughout your career with the firm. We recruit all our trainee attorneys with the hope that they will have a long and fulfilling career with the firm, progressing in due course to partnership.
We offer an attractive package from day one. In addition to a competitive salary and participation in a performance related bonus scheme, the benefits for trainee attorneys include flexible working around core hours, a flex system that enables you to earn up to eight days’ extra holiday, life assurance, permanent health insurance, travel and accident insurance, season ticket loans and a pension scheme with contributions matched by the employer.