The opportunity
Withers & Rogers LLP are actively seeking a bright and motivated Chemistry graduate or postgraduate to join us in September 2019 in Bristol. A vacancy has arisen for a Trainee Patent Attorney to join the firm’s distinguished Life Sciences & Chemistry group and applications are now open.
Joining a cohort of eight other graduates across the firm’s practice groups, you will be well supported through our training programme to qualify as a Patent Attorney in both the UK and Europe. Apply now to join Withers & Rogers and discover why a career as a Patent Attorney is a fantastic use of your academic training.
Who we’re looking for
Applicants should have a strong degree in Chemistry (2:1 or above at undergraduate level as a minimum), and must be able to demonstrate an understanding of biotechnological/biomedical concepts. There will be breadth and variety in your workload, and you will collaborate with other Attorneys across specialisms within the Life Sciences & Chemistry practice group.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills but, most importantly, we are looking for a genuine passion for technology that goes well beyond the merely academic.
You will have the ability to grasp new technical concepts, and you should feel confident communicating effectively with clients and staff of all levels.
What we have to offer
An excellent salary is on offer from the offset, as well as a discretionary Christmas bonus and our full package of employee benefits which includes our healthcare cash plan, holiday buy/sell scheme, a generous sabbatical policy, and more. Our Bristol office is located in the bustling city centre with great views across the city and quick access to Bristol’s plentiful cafes, restaurants, shops and bars.
Qualification as a Chartered UK & European Patent Attorney involves passing several sets of examinations, and we provide a comprehensive package of support for our Trainees through the process. We will pay for you to attend courses, lectures, and tutorials which are organised by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). In addition to this, we have our own in-house tutorial system to prepare Trainees for both the UK and European qualifying exams. Our patent professionals know how to help and you won’t be on your own.
The main focus of training, however, is exposure to a great variety of work on actual live cases under the supervision of a qualified Attorney. We give our trainees real responsibility early on, and you should expect to be making a significant contribution to client work within the first year.
Why choose Withers & Rogers?
Our Life Sciences & Chemistry group is one of the largest in Europe, with a depth of expertise and experience across the chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in academic research.
We work with a range of clients all over the world – from entrepreneurs, biotechnology and genetic research companies, pharmaceutical businesses and horticulturalists developing new plant varieties to medical device companies, veterinary supply organisations and chemical companies working in areas as diverse as fuel cells, liquid crystals and cosmetics. We also act for NHS Trusts, research departments and technology transfer companies of many British universities and research institutes.
Around 190 staff and more than 80 specialist experts work in our offices in London, Bristol, Leamington Spa, Sheffield and Munich. Their focus is on building strong partnerships with clients – visiting them regularly, getting to know their business, seeking to understand how best to protect the fruits of their developments and how to ensure that IP protection genuinely adds value to their organisation.
It’s an inventive and inspiring environment that is as diverse as it is intellectually challenging. This is a place for ambitious and curious people who are passionate about the new, and about making today’s pioneering inventions tomorrow’s life-changing reality.
Why choose a career as a Patent Attorney?
A career in the Patent profession offers a unique platform to put your scientific expertise into practice in a commercial environment. Long-term career prospects are fantastic, and Withers & Rogers pride themselves on their employees’ work-life balance: realistic business targets mean that you will have time for a life outside of the office.
You’ll be recognised as the expert in the specialist area you have trained in at University, as well as gaining exposure to other areas within the field by working collaboratively with colleagues. This profession is rewarding and intellectually stimulating in equal measure and we want you to join us to find out why.
If this sounds like the graduate opportunity you’re looking for, apply online now.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 28th October.
Our application form is online and your progress will be saved once you have started the application, allowing you to make edits prior to submitting if you wish to.
Candidates who meet shortlisting requirements will be asked to undertake an online General Intelligence Analysis assessment which we will use to aid our sifting process.