Job Description
Are you looking for a career that allows you to apply the technical knowledge gained from your engineering degree in a legal and commercial environment? Do you have an inquisitive mind, a flair for writing and a love of problem solving?
If so, a career in intellectual property law may be for you.
Why Carpmaels & Ransford?
We are a leading European intellectual property law firm. Through our passionate and award-winning team of life scientists, engineers and regulatory experts, we advise some of the world’s leading healthcare companies.
We were awarded Patent Prosecution Firm of the Year at the 2023 Managing IP EMEA Awards and were also awarded Patent Contentious Firm of the Year and Impact Case of the Year at the 2022 Awards. We are consistently ranked as a top-tier firm by industry directories.
As a firm, we’re passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity of thought is vital to our business; it’s how we approach challenges differently and offer our clients creative and original solutions. Through our work with organisations such as IP Inclusive, Stonewall and Business in the Community via the Race at Work Charter, we are putting the right steps in place to make sure that all our people feel supported and empowered to be themselves. Further information on our commitment to diversity and inclusion is available on our website.
A healthy work/life balance is very important to us and we run regular wellbeing events in addition to the large number of clubs and social activities that are available to everyone at the firm. We are also enthusiastic supporters of our local community through partnerships with the Social Mobility Foundation and Holborn Community Association.
What we offer
Each year, we recruit a number of exceptional STEM graduates, supporting them through to qualification as a UK and European patent attorney. New trainees join a practice group relevant to their subject of study. Opportunities exist within our Chemistry, Biotechnology and Engineering & Tech practice groups.
Trainees in our Engineering & Tech practice group have the opportunity to qualify as a UK and European patent attorney. The team brings together experts from a wide range of fields, representing some of the world’s leading companies. Their expertise spans a variety of engineering and tech sectors, ranging from surgical devices to lasers, from contact lenses to energy technologies, and from drones to drug delivery systems.
The team is regularly called upon to take on large due diligence projects for new technologies or acquisitions, when commercially relevant advice is sought on IP risks and opportunities. Many of the team have extensive experience of patenting computer software and related issues, and they are regularly asked to take over demanding cases that are critical to clients’ global patent strategies.
Becoming a patent attorney allows you to put your degree to good use in a rewarding and intellectually stimulating profession. With a renowned training programme, we offer exceptional support for obtaining professional qualifications and beyond.
Who do we look for?
To train as a patent attorney, you must have a STEM degree in a relevant technical discipline. We would love to hear from exceptional students who are working towards a strong first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) or PhD in the following areas:
- Electronics
- Electrical engineering
- General engineering (with a substantial electrical or electronics focus)
- Computer science
- Software engineering
- Artificial intelligence
Please note that we are not currently seeking applications from individuals with physics, mechanical or aeronautical engineering backgrounds.
By expressing your interest, we may keep you informed of relevant opportunities and events which you may be keen on applying to or attending.