Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to tackle exciting patent challenges in chemistry and biosciences.
- Company: A leading firm with a global client base and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for science and law while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Interest in science and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As part of the close-knit chemistry and biosciences team, and with a global client list, patent attorney Philip French has plenty of opportunities to share his IP expertise. I work in the office three days a week and work from home for the other two days. Today is a day in the office and, therefore, it is an early start.
6.55am: I catch the train to London Paddington, I am amazed by the number of other people waiting on the platform at that time in the morning. My first job is porridge. However, once fortified with porridge my day can begin.
7.10am: I check my emails. I have one email from one of our US associates reporting the filing of a response to an examination report at the US Patent Office, which I forward to our client.
7.15am: My first job is to instruct our Russian Associate to respond to an examination report for one of our client’s applications in Uzbekistan. The examination report is the third we have received from the Uzbek Examiner and contains mainly clarity objections. I enjoy the intellectual challenge of responding to objections from Examiners. Often, an Examiner asserts that claims are not inventive, but when you look carefully at the documents, there are strong arguments to overcome the Examiner’s assertion.
8.30am: I arrive at London Paddington and therefore it is time to sample the delights of rush hour on the Central Line. The Central line is particularly sardine tin-like today!
9.10am: I arrive in the office and after logging into my computer and coffee, I am ready for the rest of the day.
9.30am: I finish my instructions to our Russian Associate and email them to him. I receive an acknowledgement of receipt, almost immediately. I hope the next communication we receive from the Uzbek Examiner will be an acceptance of the application to go to grant.
11.00am: My next job is to work on drafting a patent application. We have a university client who is interested in using biomarkers to predict the response of cancer patients to specific treatments and to predict side effects. This is interesting science. The great thing about patents as a career is that you can combine an interest in science with the legal side, which is equally interesting.
Time for lunch. I usually go for a 30 minute walk and pick up a sandwich on the way round.
1.45pm: I return to drafting the patent application. I should have the application finished this week and I will send it to the client for a final review. Assuming I get instructions from the client, I aim to file at the end of the week or early next week. This will be filed at the UK Intellectual Property Office and will serve as a priority application for a later filing.
3.00pm: I meet one of our clients in the office. He is based abroad and is in London for a meeting. He has come for an update on the case we filed for him about 3 months ago. All is in order and we expect the application will publish in 3 months. We discuss next steps and whether further applications are required.
3.45pm: I now turn to the appeal we have for one of our client’s applications in Israel. This application has been rejected by the Israeli Examiner and we are preparing for an oral hearing. We work with attorneys throughout the world, and in this case, the oral hearing will be attended by our Israeli Associate. In some cases, we would also attend the hearing but in this case we are not. I am currently drafting a brief for our Associate to give him all the information he needs for the hearing. I think we have strong arguments and equivalent applications have been granted in many other countries.
4.45pm: Time to leave the office to catch the train home.
5.20pm: I catch the train and armed with a latte I am ready to do some more work. Today I am preparing for some training I am giving to some of our patent administrators. We run internal training for a qualification which they can sit and I am giving the revision session looking at European patent law. I enjoy training, especially when you have people keen to learn, as our administrators are.
6.50pm: Train arrives and it is only 5 minutes’ drive home. First job will be making a big fuss of the dogs!
One of the things I really enjoy about my job is meeting scientists and discussing their work.
Day in the life of an associate in City of London employer: Abel & Imray
Contact Detail:
Abel & Imray Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Day in the life of an associate in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Know their projects, values, and recent news. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with what they're looking for, especially in chemistry and biosciences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces when it comes to interviews!
We think you need these skills to ace Day in the life of an associate in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match what we're looking for in our chemistry and biosciences team. This shows us you're genuinely interested in the position!
Show Your Passion for Science and Law: We love candidates who can blend their interest in science with legal expertise. In your application, share any experiences or projects that demonstrate this unique combination. It’ll help us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like patents. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your enthusiasm shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abel & Imray
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of patent law and the specific areas relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge about intellectual property, especially in the biosciences field. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Passion for Science
Since the job involves a mix of science and legal expertise, be prepared to discuss your interest in both areas. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that highlight your enthusiasm for science and how it relates to patent law.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of cases they handle, or their approach to client relationships. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the company.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a patent attorney, clear communication is key. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you might need to do this with clients or colleagues. This will demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively, which is crucial in this role.
