The Position

We are looking for an enthusiastic Engineering graduate to join our team in York as a Trainee Patent Attorney in our Technology and Engineering team. The successful candidate will be working on mechanical-type inventions, particularly in the energy and med-tech sectors.

So, what does a Patent Attorney do?  The role encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities combining science, law and commercial expertise to support clients in protecting their innovations and commercial assets. It requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to work to deadlines, along with being able to receive and act upon feedback on your work. Unlike other areas of law, you don’t need a legal degree to undertake the qualification process; degrees in a relevant STEM discipline are the starting point for this career.

The qualification process is a challenge, we offer exceptional support in helping you get there. This includes access to your own training budget, an internal tutorial program and Trainee network, access to our in-house L&D platform and working with qualified attorneys who have a deep understanding of what it is like to be a trainee. There is so much knowledge you can tap into, including supervision from experienced partners and senior attorneys, supporting you on your journey to full Chartered UK and European qualification.

What you’ll be doing

• Drafting of patent documents for innovative technology
• Interacting with clients and advising them on an IP and commercial level
• Construct technical arguments with a view to prosecuting patents
• Working across multiple cases and ensuring deadlines are met
• Dealing with queries from Patent Offices and clients in a timely way
• Progressing through UK and European Patent Attorney Qualification routes
• Providing support to Attorneys as needed

About You

• A passion for a career in intellectual property!
• A 2:1 degree or above in Engineering – this could include Mechanical, Aerospace, Biomedical, or Civil Engineering. Physicists with experience, or a strong interest, in engineering will also be considered.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High level of attention to detail
• A team player who is comfortable working on independent tasks
• Ability to digest and act upon constructive feedback
• Attitude and aptitude to want to develop your skillset
• Personable individual with a client-focused mentality
• Connections to York/Yorkshire would be beneficial

About HGF:

HGF Limited is one of Europe’s largest intellectual property specialist firms and one of only a few to offer a fully integrated IP solution, bringing over 200 Patent Attorneys, Trade Mark Attorneys and IP Solicitors together to provide a full-service IP solution.

With 25 offices across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Switzerland & Austria, HGF’s Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys provide specialist technical and legal advice to blue chip organisations and small to medium businesses across the world.  Many of our clients are household names and the work HGF does allows them to protect and exploit their inventions, new products and branding.

 Why move to HGF?

• HGF takes a transparent and merit-based approach to your career development, and you will have the opportunity to shape your long-term progression.
• We’re a firm with a focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), with a staff-led DEI Focus Group and a DEI Board sponsor
• As a business, we have a dedicated Learning and Development team and a digital learning platform for all staff to use
• A competitive salary and benefits package along with a flexible working policy

To Apply:

HGF is committed to promoting an equal, diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all candidates with relevant skills for the role. As part of this recruitment process, we are utilising a “blind” CV process at the initial stage of application filtering.

If the above sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply by sending your CV and a covering note briefly outlining your interest in the profession and why it’s a career path you want to pursue.

HGF Values

• People – People matter. We treat people fairly, with respect and compassion. We foster a friendly, inclusive and enjoyable culture for everyone to prosper in. We invest in our people and offer appropriate coaching and training to assist with development and learning. We promote a healthy work-life balance. Progression is based on merit.
• Excellence –  We strive to be the best. We pursue excellence in all our individual roles resulting in outstanding legal and technical advice for our clients. Our people are pragmatic, responsive and commercially minded. We do not presume but listen to understand so we can engage proactively and appropriately.
• Teamwork – We stand together. We work with our clients to protect their interests, and with each other as a mutually supporting firm. We value, appreciate and listen to others, regardless of role, recognising each individual’s particular blend of talent, skill and experience. We are individually and jointly accountable and take responsibility for our actions and decisions.
• Progressive – We innovate. We continually improve our services and processes through understanding, creativity, and investment. We evolve by taking opportunities and adopting new business procedures, unencumbered by historical structures or out-of-date attitudes. As a firm, we have an entrepreneurial spirit, and encourage new thinking in our people.