At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in drafting patent applications and work on international patent law.
- Company: Join a leading Intellectual Property team at CMS UK in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous holidays, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in patent law while studying for your qualifications.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background in Life Sciences; Masters/PhD preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are recruiting Trainee Patent Attorneys to join our market‑leading Intellectual Property team in London, in Autumn 2026. You will be provided with ongoing training and development whilst studying for your Certificate in Intellectual Property and subsequently, your UK and/or European Patent exams. You will work alongside experienced colleagues and leaders in their field who will guide you through the varied aspects of international patent law and how to apply these to meet your clients’ needs.
Responsibilities Will Include:
- Assisting in the drafting and filing of patent applications;
- Patent prosecution at the European Patent Office (EPO) and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO);
- EPO opposition and appeal work;
- Involvement in freedom to operate opinions, IP due diligence and litigation.
Our Intellectual Property group is one of the largest teams in Europe for patent and trade mark work. Our qualified patent attorneys work alongside our IP, litigation, corporate and commercial lawyers. This offering makes us a rarity in the market as we are a full-service law firm able to provide a fully integrated service for all stages in the IP life cycle. Our IP clients include global pharma and biotechs as well as numerous SMEs and start‑ups.
About You:
We are looking for candidates with a strong academic record in Life Sciences (Biotechnology), particularly biochemistry, biology or bioinformatics.
In Addition, the Ideal Candidate Will:
- Have a Masters and/or PhD in a relevant field and/or have industry experience;
- Be self‑motivated and interested in further developing their knowledge of IP law and patent prosecution work;
- Be proactive in undertaking a wide range of work, across diverse technical and legal areas;
- Have excellent attention to detail and organisational skills, with experience working under pressure towards tight deadlines whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy;
- Be flexible in their attitude and an effective team player, willing to collaborate and build professional relationships across all levels;
- Have excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
Please ensure you include a cover letter explaining why you are attracted to the role and what you will bring to it, should you be successful.
What’s in it for you?
Benefits:
- Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
- Flexible, hybrid working policy
- Generous bonus scheme
- Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
- Holiday exchange scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.
Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.
Trainee Patent Attorney Life Sciences London employer: CMS UK
CMS UK is an exceptional employer for aspiring Trainee Patent Attorneys, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will benefit from comprehensive training and mentorship from industry leaders while working on diverse and impactful projects in intellectual property law. The firm promotes a flexible hybrid working policy, competitive salary, and generous benefits, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Patent Attorney Life Sciences London
✨Hit Up Legal Career Fairs
Get yourself to legal career fairs and networking events in your area. These are gold mines for snagging internships, as many firms like to meet potential candidates face-to-face. Keep an eye out for universities or legal associations hosting these events!
✨Leverage Your School's Resources
Tap into your university's career services or law department—they often have connections with firms looking for interns. Plus, you might find exclusive internship postings or workshops that can make you stand out!
✨Get Involved in Legal Clinics
Participate in legal aid clinics or pro bono work; it’s a stellar way to gain hands-on experience and beef up your CV. Being directly involved in community legal projects shows your commitment and can impress potential employers!
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don't forget to check out CMS UK’s careers page for internship opportunities. It’s a smart move to apply directly through our website; we love seeing applications come in from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Patent Attorney Life Sciences London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Knowledge:When we’re looking at applications for a legal internship, we want to see that you're not just passionate about the law, but that you’ve got a solid grasp of key concepts too. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on, and don't forget to mention specific areas of law you're interested in—this shows us your focus and ambition!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you’re eager to intern at CMS UK. Talk about how this internship aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn from the experience. Be sure to showcase your analytical skills and any relevant experiences, whether they’re from university assignments, extra-curriculars, or volunteer work.
Include Relevant Experiences:Alongside your education, it's great to include any experiences that show your dedication to the legal field—this could be volunteer work at legal aid clinics or participation in law-related societies. Such experiences really highlight your commitment and willingness to learn, which is exactly what we want to see in an intern!
Proof Your Skills with Writing Samples:Don't just tell us you're a great writer—show us! If you've written any essays, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics, consider attaching a couple of writing samples with your application. This gives us a taste of your analytical ability and how clearly you can express complex legal ideas, which is crucial in law!
How to prepare for a job interview at CMS UK
✨Know Your Legal Basics
Brush up on fundamental legal concepts relevant to the position. We want to be able to discuss basic legal principles confidently, especially if there's a chance they might ask about case studies or legal reasoning during your interview at CMS UK.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
As an intern in the legal field, you'll be expected to do a lot of research. Come prepared to discuss how you’ve tackled legal research in the past or share examples of how you’ve used databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis. This will demonstrate your ability to contribute right from the start!
✨Prepare for Role-Specific Scenarios
It’s a good idea to consider hypothetical legal scenarios that might be thrown at you during your interview. Think through how you would approach a case or handle a compliance issue, and make sure to ask insightful questions about the type of cases handled at CMS UK.
✨Highlight Your Learning Potential
Since this is an internship, employers like CMS UK are looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Talk about why you're interested in law and how this internship aligns with your career goals. Emphasise how you can grow through this opportunity!
