Trainee Patent Attorney - Biotechnology (2027 Intake)

Are you looking for a career that allows you to apply the scientific knowledge gained from your 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. 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. 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.

What You’ll Be Doing Each year, we recruit a number of exceptional STEM graduates, with our renowned training programme supporting them through to qualification as a UK and European patent attorney. As a trainee in our industry-leading Life Sciences (Biotechnology) practice group, you will be part of a team that supports some of the world’s leading biotechnology companies across the full spectrum of biotechnologies, from diagnostics to therapeutics including platform and manufacturing technologies. The role of a patent attorney involves a unique combination of technical knowledge, legal expertise and precise communication. Language proficiency, particularly in writing, reading and sometimes speaking, is vital. As a new trainee, this is a fantastic opportunity to put your degree to good use in a rewarding and intellectually stimulating profession.

Candidates need to possess, or be working towards, a strong first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) or PhD in a relevant technical discipline. This may include molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and immunology. Your degree will be complemented by strong A Levels. Our typical minimum requirements are three at grade A or equivalent, including two STEM subjects. In addition to your technical skills, you will have an excellent command of both written and spoken English. You enjoy analysing and conceptualising complex matters and have a passion and aptitude for problem solving. With strong time management and organisation skills, you are a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing.

The recruitment process is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in a career within IP. Following completion of our online application form, successful applicants will be invited to complete two role-related written exercises. Those shortlisted will then undertake a technically focused pre-recorded video interview, with longlisted applicants progressing to a two-stage, in-person interview process. If you have a disability, if you're neurodivergent, or if you have a condition that you believe may affect your performance during our recruitment process, we encourage you to share your request for any adjustments with our recruitment team. Please note that we review applications on a rolling basis and may make offers prior to the closing date. Therefore, we encourage early applications.

What We Offer We offer a competitive benefits package that currently includes the following:

• An annual base salary of approximately £50,000.
• 25 days’ holiday, increasing by 1 day per year up to our maximum of 28 days.
• Employer pension contribution of 5% in your first year, with a minimum 3% employee contribution, increasing to 10% employer contribution after one year’s service.
• Holiday buy scheme, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Holiday bonus, starting at £400 per year, increasing each year up to a maximum of £2,000.
• Private medical insurance via Bupa, where you’ll be eligible to join the month following your start date.
• Free confidential access to 24/7 medical, mental, legal and financial wellbeing support via Health Assured and WeCare from your first day of employment.
• Access to internal Mental Health First Aiders.
• Life assurance of 4x your base salary.
• Income protection, with cover for up to 5 years and compensating for up to 75% of your base salary.
• Cycle2Work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Access to Payroll Giving or Give As You Earn (GAYE).
• 1 paid volunteer day per year.

We are proud of our inclusive culture where individual differences are celebrated, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants. We do not tolerate discrimination either directly or indirectly on the basis of race, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, pregnancy and maternity, socio economic background or any characteristic protected by law.