Trainee Patent Attorney required at Schlich to assist our Chemistry / Physics / Materials Science team. Position to be filled as soon as possible.
Based in Littlehampton on the south coast of England, we have a growing, dynamic and friendly team. We are continually expanding both our client base and our personnel and are looking for a candidate to enhance our team.
A degree in Chemistry or Physics, particularly with a specialism in material science, electronics or electrical engineering, is preferred, but a degree in Mechanics / Engineering or similar disciplines would also be considered.
The position available is predominantly on behalf of our material sciences, nanotechnology and electrical engineering clients; initially to support the attorneys that handle these clients and in time to assume greater management and client-facing responsibility. However, candidates should expect to work in a wide range of technical areas, which reflects the variety of work across the firm.
The duties associated with the job role principally consist of dealing with clients, associates and suppliers in providing patent and/or trade mark attorney services, including drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the UK, Europe and internationally. This work will be carried out liaising with and reporting to other attorneys and company managers.
Comprehensive in-house and external training will be provided with the aim of achieving qualification as a UK and European Patent Attorney. Training in other areas, e.g. trade marks and designs, is also available.
You will be expected to demonstrate good interpersonal skills and attention to detail, strong oral and written communication and an ability to work to tight deadlines. However, we encourage anyone with relevant experience, skills and qualifications to apply and are happy to make reasonable adjustments where necessary.
We believe that trainee attorneys benefit greatly from face-to-face supervision along with support from other team members. Thus, the hours for this role are Monday – Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, at our office in Littlehampton. We have fully paperless records and office systems so opportunities for remote working may be offered later in employment, but this is unlikely to be offered for a period of at least one year (subject to requested and approved reasonable adjustments).
The salary for this role will be in line with qualifications and industry norms.
We are an equal opportunities employer and a signatory of IP Inclusive’s EDI Charter. Though we are only able to consider applicants who are eligible to work in the UK, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age.
Applications with a CV and brief covering letter, including details of 2 referees and any requests for reasonable adjustments (be that for any of the application, interview and/or induction processes), should be submitted when applying.