Trainee Patent Attorney (Computer Science/Software Engineering) – Autumn 2026

We are looking for a graduate or post-graduate trainee to join our Manchester office to work towards the qualifications of Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney starting in Autumn 2026.

In addition to patents, you will also have the opportunity to become involved in other aspects of intellectual property, such as trade marks, designs and copyright.

Patent attorneys require a scientific/engineering background to be able to understand and protect ideas and inventions across a wide range of industries, and so candidates for this role must have a scientific academic background.

We are interested in candidates with at least a 2:1 honours degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or a related discipline, who are based in or keen to relocate to Manchester.

The candidate we are looking for will also:

• Have excellent communication skills, particularly in writing
• Be highly organised and have very good attention to detail
• Have strong analytical skills and the confidence to defend the reasoning behind their opinion
• Be motivated and ready to put in the effort required to obtain the challenging professional qualifications – which usually takes around 5 years
• Be based in or around Manchester

In return, we are offering:

• A fascinating and rewarding career
• A competitive salary (plus bonus and pension)
• 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays. Additional holidays are accrued with service
• Flexible working
• Full training, involving day to day mentoring and structured in-house training (delivered both in person and via video conferencing) supplemented by external courses and tutorials
• Examination support and study leave

To apply for this position, please send your CV together with a covering letter by 24 July 2026.