Life as a trainee Patent Attorney means using your academic background in a stimulating and varied way. Working on innovations and inventions at the forefront of your scientific field.

“I like that I have been given a wide range of work which has helped me broaden my experience.” Victoria, Attorney

At Mewburn Ellis we’re collegial, supportive and progressive. With an industry-leading training programme and a rotation scheme that keeps learning fresh and insightful we ensure that you’re set up to develop quickly and learn about the profession from a range of partners from day one.

“We have monthly tutorials by knowledgeable partners and associates. They help us to prepare for exams but also help us to become well-rounded patent attorneys.” Anna, Attorney

Trained for Excellence is one of our key values that permeates our firm, the impact of which is evident at every level, indeed over 70% of our partners trained with us. The training programme underpins who we are and our forward-looking, ambitious approach. And as it’s delivered in a structured and focused manner it means that everyone at Mewburn Ellis is able to develop their full potential as a high-level attorney.

Chemistry and Materials at Mewburn Ellis

Advances in chemistry are central to cutting-edge technology in a huge range of industries. As well as examples from the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors (developing renewable fuels or recyclable plastics for instance), chemists today are also creating the novel materials building the technology of tomorrow, in fields as diverse as drug delivery, electronics, aerospace, automotive technology and medical devices. Data-driven approaches to innovation and the role of cheminformatics is becoming ever more important.

Whether the subject matter is dyes or drugs, catalysts or composites, polymers or pesticides, flavourings or fibreglass our highly-skilled technically diverse chemistry and materials team cover every aspect. The clients we work for are as varied as the technical areas we cover from well-known companies such as Unilever to start-ups, spin-outs and prestigious universities.

“We are immersed in the sustainability journeys of our many and varied clients. It is exciting to be involved in protecting and supporting green innovations across the chemistry and materials sectors. We have a particular emphasis on energy storage, advanced materials and green polymers, not only as top tier attorneys working in those areas, but as active members of the relevant communities.” Jeremy, Attorney

The role

Reflecting the exciting technology spaces in which our clients operate, you will work closely with colleagues across our chemistry practice group but also with attorneys from our life sciences and engineering, technology and physics practice groups, as well as our solicitors and trade mark team. We take a holistic approach to IP and that will be a theme throughout your training and beyond.

Our training programme is varied, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding. You will be invested in to grow personally and professionally. There’ll be lots of learning and opportunities to put your chemistry background to good use. Our unique rotation scheme gives you the opportunity to work with different mentors and across different areas of chemistry allowing you to develop as an attorney and find your niche.

You will sit with a qualified patent attorney and assist them with all parts of their work, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications and advising clients about various aspects of intellectual property law. Essentially we provide you with all the tools you need to become a Trusted Advisor to clients, helping you use your scientific background in a legal context.

What’s in it for you?

• A friendly, inclusive and team-based working culture
• A hybrid office and home working approach
• A generous remuneration package with twice yearly salary reviews for all trainees
• Enhanced pension scheme / family leave
• Concierge service for any office moves inc. paid time off, financial support
• 30 days annual leave (not including bank holidays & additional study leave days)
• Wide range of domestic and international clients with the chance to work abroad
• One paid day off per year for charitable endeavours and fundraising matching
• Firmwide discretionary bonus
• Multiple additional benefits such as discount vouchers, workplace ISA, electric car, bike to work and medicash schemes

You’ll be well supported to pass your exams as well as develop your all-round skills as a patent attorney through our internal and external tutorials and regular input from experienced partners, backed up by feedback on your progress to inform and assist your development. And because we’re merit-based, your career progression is truly in your own hands.

We’re a leading European intellectual property firm with four UK offices and one in Munich. We’ve grown steadily and now have over 350 colleagues including 50 Trainees so expect to be part of a decent sized cohort of like-minded scientists! In many ways our successful growth story is down to our training and our long-term commitment to the wellbeing of our people.  As part of this we have a variety of informal sporting and social events as well as running various charity initiatives.

About You

We look for individuals with a curious, enquiring mind. Excellent communication skills, especially in writing, are vital. General commercial awareness is valuable but no prior knowledge of patent law is required. A strong academic background with a relevant STEM degree (for example Chemistry) is essential and having an open-minded personable approach to learning will also serve you well!

If the role sounds appealing and you could start your career journey with us in Bristol, Cambridge, London or Manchester we’d love to hear from you.

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome a broad diversity of talent to apply.

Your privacy

As part of our recruitment process, Mewburn Ellis collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants.