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.
“Working with different offices ensures that we get to work with technology in a wide range of fields, and get to know everyone really well.” Lucy, 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.
“I have found attorneys at Mewburn to be approachable and easy to get along with – they are really great people to learn from.” Dan, 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.
Physics and Computer Science at Mewburn Ellis
Exciting developments in computing and physics are driving disruptive innovation in the fields of artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, robotics, medical technology and the Internet of Things. As these developments continue to transform our daily lives, it’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the world of physics and computer science. At Mewburn Ellis we are the forefront of this change and we advise and help our clients use intellectual property rights to nurture and protect their innovations, ideas and inventions and deliver them to market.
The accelerating development seen in these fields involving big data, machine learning, software development are challenging the legal limitations surrounding the patentability of computer-implemented inventions. This often means we are involved in pioneering work at the very forefront of innovation. These emerging areas include optics and photonics, bioinformatics, quantum computing, Blockchain and extended reality. Join us and you could work in these fields with a range of clients from well-known companies such as Unilever and Mitsubishi Electric through to new start-ups and innovation leading universities such as Cambridge and Imperial.
“As the fourth industrial revolution gathers pace, innovation in computer science is booming. Computer-related inventions arise from a diverse range of technical fields and patent work in this area is exciting, fast paced and challenging.” Emma, Attorney
The role
Reflecting the exciting technology spaces in which our clients operate, you will work closely with colleagues across our engineering, technology and physics practice group but also with attorneys from our life sciences and chemistry 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 physics or computer science background to good use.
Our unique rotation scheme gives you the opportunity to work with different mentors and across different areas 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 with a relevant STEM degree (for example Computer Science or Physics) 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.