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- Tasks: Join our dynamic Chem/Bio team as a Trainee Patent Attorney, tackling exciting challenges daily.
- Company: Abel + Imray is a leading firm in patent and trade mark law, protecting innovative ideas.
- Benefits: Enjoy thorough training, flexible start dates, and opportunities for external courses.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking firm that values your growth and contributions to innovation.
- Qualifications: Aiming for a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a relevant scientific field is essential.
- Other info: We promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity within our workplace and the legal community.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Abel + Imray, Trainee Patent Attorney – Biotechnology / Chemistry
Your legal career starts here, with a leading light in patent and trade mark law.
Based in: our London office
Closing date: 26 September 2025
Start date: flexible, but ideally during 2026
We live in exciting times, when innovations in fields such as science, engineering and technology are changing the way we live and work. At Abel + Imray, it’s our job to protect many of these ideas so they can flourish. You could be a major part of that.
We’re seeking one of the brightest minds to become a trainee patent attorney in our growing Chem/Bio team – joining a firm with a reputation for the highest professional standards and winning client relationships.
Those clients come from industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, petrochemicals and consumer products – fields you’ll immerse yourself in.
Inspired by pioneering inventions and ideas, you’ll be ready to offer up your technical expertise. In return, we’ll drive your career forwards (and upwards), making the best of your talents and focussing on exam success – all within a dynamic, inclusive working culture.
The opportunity
You won’t sit still here. This is a fast-paced, varied role where each day brings fresh challenges and exciting opportunities. It’s also the first step in a career with a forward-thinking firm that will constantly look at how you can help shape our future – and how we can further yours.
As a graduate, we’ll support you with thorough training. Mostly this will be in-house, but we’ll encourage you to explore further by attending lectures and taking external courses – in particular the 13-week Intellectual Property Law Certificate with Queen Mary, University of London. You’ll be working towards the examinations needed to qualify as a Chartered Patent Attorney and European Patent Attorney.
The role will focus on serving clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields, seeking to protect innovations concerning antibodies, vaccines, drug delivery systems, engineered immune cells and small molecule drug candidates.
Who we’re looking for
You’ll like nothing more than a diverse workload that allows you to flex your intellectual talents. Being a patent attorney demands a blend of scientific and technical expertise, and specialist legal knowledge, so you’ll be a high-calibre graduate with a curious streak – and a problem-solver at heart.
- You will hold or be aiming for a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree (or the equivalent) in biochemistry, medicinal/pharmaceutical chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, or a related subject.
- You will need to be a clear and concise writer with an aptitude for languages having a grade A English Language GCSE, Scottish Standard Grade/National 5 or corresponding qualification.
- Being a confident communicator is important, because you’ll be talking to everyone from the Chairman of an international corporation to a laboratory assistant from a niche scientific field.
- You could either be at the start of your career or looking for a new challenge following experience of working in industry in a relevant sector. Post-graduate qualifications are not essential, but would be valued.
Along with academic success and technical expertise, we value strong organisational and administrative abilities.
More about us
Put simply, we safeguard ideas. Specialising in patents, trade marks and registered designs, we counsel clients in intellectual property protection – from brand new start-ups to well-known conglomerates. That sees us dealing with IP offices in the UK, Europe and beyond.
In our Bath, Cardiff and London offices, we’ve been growing steadily. That’s set to continue, with a varied list of innovative, international clients spanning the chemical and biotechnology fields:
- Amazentis (advanced nutritional supplements)
- Cancer Research UK
- Imperial College London
- Norgine
- Oncopeptides and other companies based on work from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm
- Sanofi
- Many drug development companies that are not be household names but carry out vital research into new treatments
Ours is a firm with a prestigious history, but one eye always on the future. From longstanding attorneys to brand new trainees, everyone who works here has a part to play in defining that future – and that will include you.
We’re proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunities employer. We treat everyone we work with – and for – fairly, and we respect diversity. That means nurturing each employee’s particular talents and supporting all to reach their personal goals. We also work hard to promote equality, diversity and inclusivity within the wider legal community we’re part of, as members of IP Inclusive.
How to apply
Please complete our application form by clicking on the button below.
The closing date for applications is 26 September 2025, and we plan to hold initial interviews in October or November. The successful candidates would then begin work in 2026, with some flexibility on the start date if required.
Please mention IP Careers when applying to Abel + Imray.
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Trainee Patent Attorney – Biotechnology / Chemistry employer: Abel & Imray
Contact Detail:
Abel & Imray Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Patent Attorney – Biotechnology / Chemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in biotechnology and chemistry. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field, which is crucial for a role as a Trainee Patent Attorney.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the patent law sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops related to intellectual property and biotechnology. Building connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how to explain complex scientific concepts in simple terms. As a patent attorney, you'll need to communicate effectively with clients from various backgrounds, so honing this skill is essential.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Abel + Imray's recent cases and clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Understanding their work and values will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Patent Attorney – Biotechnology / Chemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Trainee Patent Attorney in Biotechnology/Chemistry. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant academic achievements, particularly in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related fields. Emphasise any experience that showcases your problem-solving abilities and communication skills, as these are crucial for the role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for intellectual property law and your interest in the biotechnology and chemistry sectors. Use specific examples from your academic or professional background to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free from grammatical errors and typos. A clear and concise writing style is essential, so take the time to review your documents thoroughly before submission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abel & Imray
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Trainee Patent Attorney in Biotechnology/Chemistry, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the relevant scientific fields. Be prepared to discuss recent innovations or breakthroughs in biotechnology and chemistry that excite you, as this will show your passion and expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You'll be interacting with a diverse range of clients, so strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, ensuring you can explain technical concepts to non-experts without losing their interest.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific situations. Think about scenarios where you had to apply your scientific knowledge to solve a problem, and be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The role requires strong organisational and administrative abilities. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects effectively, highlighting your attention to detail and ability to prioritise under pressure.