Trainee Patent Attorney, CLS (Chemist) in London

We are looking for an ambitious chemistry graduate to join our Chemistry and Life Sciences practice group to start in September 2026. Becoming a Trainee Patent Attorney at GJE will start you on a fulfilling career journey towards full qualification as a European and UK Patent Attorney. In this role, you will draw on the technical knowledge and expertise gained from your degree while developing practical skills in patent drafting, filing and prosecution.

You can expect to work with a wide range of exciting clients right from the start of your training – multinational corporations like Proctor & Gamble, alongside SMEs, start-ups and University Spin-Outs. You will receive mentorship and guidance from our expert attorneys, who are leaders in their field, and enjoy the support of friendly, collaborative colleagues.

Our exceptional training programme will provide you with a year of on-the-job learning before enrolling you for the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property Law. Ultimately you will be working towards qualification as both a European Patent Attorney and a Chartered (UK) Patent Attorney. You will be exposed to real responsibility early on in your training, allowing you to acquire the skills you need to grow into a successful patent attorney and achieve great things.

We support you in these studies through external courses and our extensive in-house training programme. You will also benefit from mentoring and coaching by our industry-leading and approachable senior attorneys, who are always happy to help.

Alongside working and studying for your professional exams we encourage you to get involved with areas of the business that interest you such as marketing and BD activities, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and helping plan events with GJE’s social committee. Our open door policy means that senior staff are always interested in hearing feedback on our internal processes.

We offer a competitive salary (reviewed annually and upon exam success), hybrid-working, great benefits & perks and a whole host of regular social events and wellbeing initiatives. We’re a friendly and supportive bunch and we think GJE is a great place to work.

We pride ourselves on our people and look for top graduates who demonstrate a passion for science and who can contribute to the continued development of our business.

As a minimum requirement, the successful candidate will fulfil the following criteria:

• Chemistry degree (2.1 or 1st);
• High academic achievement (top grades in GCSE & A Levels or equivalent qualifications);
• Effective communication skills; and
• Excellent attention to detail.

You will be exposed to a diverse range of cases and clients right from the start, so excellent communication skills are a must. You should also have the ability and confidence to build effective working relationships and be able to offer straightforward and practical advice to your clients.

You will become part of a hard‑working, professional and supportive team where you can accelerate your development and build a strong foundation for your future career as a Patent Attorney.

The firm GJE is one of Europe’s leading intellectual property firms and a place to thrive in your chosen career. Whether you’re just starting out, changing direction, or bringing years of experience, GJE welcomes you to grow with us.

Your journey here can take many paths. From vital support roles in IT, HR, specialist IP administration, BD & Marketing, and accounts, to fee-earning positions from trainee attorneys to experienced partners – and everything in between, we are committed to helping you build skills, gain confidence, and shape a career that’s meaningful to you.

Whether you’re developing new capabilities or bringing deep expertise to the table, you’ll receive thoughtful feedback, clear guidance, and the support you need to keep progressing. We value the insight and leadership that experienced professionals bring, and we’re committed to helping you make a lasting impact.

You’ll be part of a close-knit team that values collaboration and learning. With 125 people, you’ll get to know your colleagues, contribute to exciting projects, and take part in a wide range of training opportunities. At GJE, you’re never just a number — you are part of something bigger and what you do matters.