The role

We are looking for part-qualified trainee patent attorneys who have started training to become a patent attorney and have gained experience in software drafting and prosecution. Applicants with a background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics/Theoretical Physics or Electrical Engineering would be particularly suitable for the role.

At Appleyard Lees, you will continue your training under the supervision of our Partners and Senior Associates. We have many locally-based clients so, even as a trainee, you will regularly meet with clients and inventors face-to-face or via a video call. These meetings will include discussions about new inventions and you will be involved in preparing the draft specifications. On behalf of our clients, we file and prosecute patent applications in the UK and Europe so you will gain real experience that is directly relevant to the professional exams you will undertake.

In addition to the practical training, our trainees are given all the support they need to qualify as UK and European patent attorneys. We combine in-house exam-specific tutorials with external courses, to help our trainees to obtain the knowledge and skills they need to qualify. There will also be opportunities to develop your practical skills, for example, by assisting our qualified attorneys when they participate in Oral Proceedings at the EPO.

At Appleyard Lees, you’ll be working to protect the ground-breaking innovation of some of the world’s most well-known tech companies such as Samsung. Many of our clients are developing exciting new Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies. This work can sometimes be multi-disciplinary and so you will need to work with attorneys in other disciplines. For example, some of our clients use AI to identify and develop new drugs, use mathematics/statistics to diagnose diseases or predict treatment efficacy, or use software to control medical robotic devices. So, in addition to the technical skills, you will need to have good people skills and be able to work in a team.

About you

• Ideally, you will have completed the Foundation Certificate exams (or equivalent) and the EQE pre-exam.
• Have an undergraduate degree or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics/Theoretical Physics or Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Knowledge of and interest in any of the following areas would be advantageous: machine learning models, image recognition, object detection, speech recognition, natural language processing, and data mining.
• Good communicator both in writing and verbally.

What we can offer

We pride ourselves on being small and friendly enough for you to get to know everyone – but big enough to offer you great career prospects. We also offer:

• 34 hour working week
• Agile working
• Annual salary review
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• A supportive and friendly place to work and learn
• Social outings
• Birthday voucher
• Charity events

Our clients include household brands, tech start-ups and multinational corporations as well as local businesses and SMEs. We have a well-earned reputation for long-standing relationships. We ensure that we understand our clients’ business objectives

Our clients choose us because we offer the combination of technical knowledge, clarity and commerciality whilst taking the time to get to know them.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has always been part of the core values of Appleyard Lees.  This isn’t just about the partners, or how we do things at Appleyard Lees, this is about everyone. Appleyard Lees offer a career path within a structure that encourages development for everyone.

We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

Applications

If you wish to apply, please send your CV and covering letter.