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- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Patent Attorney, working on innovative tech and medical technologies.
- Company: Appleyard Lees is a dynamic firm protecting groundbreaking innovations for top tech companies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, mentorship, funded training, and great perks like annual leave and social events.
- Why this job: Dive into exciting projects, collaborate with experts, and gain real-world experience from day one.
- Qualifications: A degree or PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field is essential.
- Other info: Start your journey in September 2025, with opportunities in Leeds or Manchester.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 42000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025
Department: Patents - Engineering & Physics
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Leeds or Manchester
START DATE: September 2025
OFFICE LOCATION: We have opportunities in Leeds and Manchester
We are looking for an individual who enjoys learning about cutting-edge research and who wants to apply their scientific knowledge to work outside of academia. At Appleyard Lees, you will be able to put your degree to use from day one, as you’ll be working to protect the ground-breaking innovation of some of the world’s most well-known tech companies. The job is intellectually challenging, and you will work on brand-new innovation before anyone else hears about it.
Our clients are developing exciting new medical technologies and consumer electronics. For instance, some of our clients are developing new smartphone technology, and others are applying computer vision techniques to various applications, including medical diagnostics. So, we are looking for individuals with a background in physics, engineering or a related discipline.
Key ResponsibilitiesYou will need to be articulate and good at communicating, particularly in writing. Our work can sometimes be multi-disciplinary and collaborative, and you will need to work with attorneys in other disciplines. So, you will need to have good people skills and be able to work in a team.
You will be trained by our Partners and Senior Associates, and from your first day you will be working on real work for our clients. You will be able to join meetings with inventors, watch our qualified attorneys when they participate in hearings/oppositions, and learn from our talented paralegals. As our clients file patent applications in the UK and Europe, you will gain real experience that is directly relevant to the professional exams you will undertake. In addition to this practical experience, our trainees are given all the support they need to qualify as UK and European patent attorneys. We combine in-house exam-specific tutorials with external courses, to help our trainees obtain the knowledge and skills they need to qualify.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise- Have a degree or PhD in Physics, Engineering or a related discipline.
- Ability to take on large amounts of information and think logically.
- Good communicator both in writing and verbally.
- Commitment to meeting client expectations.
- Ability to prioritise competing tasks and manage multiple priorities effectively.
We pride ourselves on being small and friendly enough for you to get to know everyone – but big enough to offer you great career prospects. We will assign you with a mentor who will be able to provide professional and personal support throughout your training contract. Providing people with a mentor is a critical part of enabling development and knowing if individuals are ‘on track’ in terms of their career path and progression, it also helps with improving knowledge and skills.
Aside from this, we will fund all of your training including memberships, exams, courses and conferences. We also encourage our technical teams to write articles for our Greenshoots platform and take part in podcasts.
We also offer:
- A supportive and friendly place to work and learn
- Annual salary review
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Holiday Purchase Scheme
- Salary Exchange
- Life assurance
- Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing App
- Group Income Protection
- Long Service Milestones
- Social events
- Vouchers on your birthday, at Christmas and for Special Occasions
- Charity events
Contact Detail:
Appleyard Lees & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Patent Attorney
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in physics and engineering, especially those related to medical technologies and consumer electronics. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the patent law sector, particularly those who work as patent attorneys or in related roles. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and gain insights into what the role entails.
✨Tip Number 3
Develop your communication skills, both written and verbal. Consider joining a local speaking club or taking part in workshops that focus on effective communication, as these skills are crucial for success in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Appleyard Lees and their recent projects or publications. Being knowledgeable about the company’s work will allow you to tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Patent Attorney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Trainee Patent Attorney. Familiarise yourself with the key skills needed, such as strong communication abilities and a background in physics or engineering.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant academic achievements, particularly in physics or engineering. Emphasise any experience that showcases your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, as this is crucial for the role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific projects or technologies that excite you and explain how your background makes you a suitable candidate for protecting innovative ideas.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as attention to detail is vital in the field of patent law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Appleyard Lees & Co
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for cutting-edge research and innovation during the interview. Talk about any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your interest in applying scientific knowledge outside of academia.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication, both written and verbal, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past. Consider sharing examples where you collaborated with others or presented technical information clearly.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
The job involves working in multi-disciplinary teams, so be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you contributed to a team project, showcasing your ability to work well with others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on your knowledge in physics, engineering, or related disciplines. Be prepared to answer questions that assess your understanding of these areas, as well as your ability to think logically and process large amounts of information.