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 enjoy having the opportunity to work on a variety of technologies, in a challenging but supportive environment.” Scott, 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 variety of Partners from day one.

“The environment at Mewburn is fantastic for training, everyone is very supportive and genuinely wants to help you learn and develop as a trainee.” Fay, Trainee 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 90% of our partners trained with us. The training program 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.

Bioinformatics at Mewburn Ellis

In a world where biology is now driven by data, there has rarely been a more exciting time to be involved in Bioinformatics. By using computational approaches to automate and optimise processes to enable us to gain insight into data of exquisite complexity, the field of Bioinformatics can open the door for treatments that are truly bespoke.

As an IP firm with a large, vastly experienced and growing practice we cover bioinformatics, computational biology and digital health and are leading the way in these pioneering areas. From AI and Machine learning powered by medicine, to omic data that has propelled the field of biological science, we work in every technical area across this exciting field. Join us and you could be at the forefront of this work, supporting and advising a range of clients that include large biopharma companies such as Genentech, research institutions such as Cancer Research Campaign, start-ups such as Zealand Pharma and leading universities such as University of Cambridge.

“Bioinformatics and computational biology are really coming of age. It’s really exciting to see the uptick of patenting activity in this space.” Fran, Attorney

The role

Reflecting the exciting technology spaces in which our clients operate, you will work closely with colleagues across our life sciences practice group and also with attorneys from our chemistry 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 program 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 bioinformatics or computational biology background to good use. Our unique rotation scheme gives you the opportunity to work with different mentors and across different areas of life sciences 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 generous remuneration and benefits package
• Enhanced pension scheme
• 30 days annual leave (not including bank holidays & additional study leave days)
• Wide range of domestic and international clients
• The possibility of working abroad

You’ll be well supported to pass your exams as well as develop your all-round skills as a trade mark 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 are a leading, top tier European intellectual property law firm and have expanded by 50% in the last 3 years to 290 colleagues. 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.

Giving back to the community, our commitment to sustainability and how promoting and nurturing diversity and inclusion is a top priority.

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 in bioinformatics or computational biology (or related STEM degree) is essential and having an open-minded personable approach to learning will also serve you well!

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.