At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in varied patent prosecution work and attend valuable oral proceedings.
- Company: Join a friendly and welcoming firm with a strong focus on training.
- Benefits: Intensive training boot camp, social events, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Great career growth and supportive environment for learning.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for science and law while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: A background in chemistry and a keen interest in law.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: London
University: Oxford
Areas of Specialism: Chemistry
How did you enter the profession?
Unusually, I became aware of the profession when applying for my degree. I was both interested in chemistry and continuing with science, but was also considering pursuing law. I did some research, and it seemed that becoming a patent attorney after doing a science degree was the perfect overlap of my interests. During my degree, I did an internship at a patent firm to understand what the job actually entailed, and I ended up loving it! It was a great mixture of using what I was learning in my degree, but in a completely different context. I also really enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of trying to find solutions that work for the client and for the patent office of the jurisdiction being dealt with. When I got into my final year, I was pretty certain that I wanted to apply for jobs in the industry, and that’s how I ended up here!
Your main roles and responsibilities
My daily work is very varied. I mostly handle prosecution, that is, responding to search and examination reports for various pharmaceutical cases, which is a really good way to get to grips with the various objections examiners present in different patent offices across the world. I have also been involved in opposition cases and have attended oral proceedings which have been really valuable to experience so early in my career. Another important part of my role is training. We have weekly training sessions which gives us a structured opportunity to learn about an aspect of becoming a patent attorney. Alongside this, I also spend a lot of time reading around cases to fully understand the laws underpinning them, which can mean researching case law, reading sections of the Patents Act, or reading articles and blogs.
What drew you to R&G
I was drawn to R&G firstly due to the emphasis on training. We start with a two-week long ‘boot camp’ which was an intense yet incredibly valuable training programme which introduced us to the fundamentals of patents, trademarks, and designs. This made the transition into the profession extremely smooth as it meant I knew some of the basics when I started working on my own cases. During my interviews, it became clear that R&G was a genuinely welcoming and friendly firm which also really made them stand out. There are lots of social events and opportunities to get involved in presentations and networking events – all of which make R&G a great place to work.
Life at the firm so far
I have really enjoyed my time here so far. It has been great to bond with the other trainees in my cohort and learn about so many different aspects of the profession in such a short space of time. The learning curve has definitely been steep, as patents are something I – and most people – won’t ever have learned about before starting the job, but the training and the willingness of everyone in the firm to help when I am unsure, have made my experience very rewarding. I am really looking forward to continuing my training with the firm and deepening my knowledge of all things patents.
Reddie & Grose – Stephanie Stankard – Trainee Patent Attorney employer: Hindles Limited
Contact Detail:
Hindles Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reddie & Grose – Stephanie Stankard – Trainee Patent Attorney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, seminars, and workshops related to patent law and chemistry. This is your chance to meet professionals in the field, learn from their experiences, and maybe even get a foot in the door at Reddie & Grose.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of informational interviews. Reach out to current patent attorneys or trainees and ask them about their journey. This not only gives you insights but also shows your genuine interest in the profession.
✨Tip Number 3
Get hands-on experience! Look for internships or work placements in patent firms or related fields. This will give you a taste of what it’s like to work as a patent attorney and make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to learn. Make sure to highlight your unique blend of science and law interests in your application to catch our attention.
We think you need these skills to ace Reddie & Grose – Stephanie Stankard – Trainee Patent Attorney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chemistry and Law: Make sure to highlight your interest in both chemistry and law in your application. We love seeing candidates who have a genuine passion for the field, so share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase this blend of interests.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send out a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Trainee Patent Attorney. Take the time to customise your application to reflect what we’re looking for at Reddie & Grose.
Research Reddie & Grose: Before you apply, do a bit of homework on us! Understanding our firm’s culture, values, and training opportunities will not only help you in your application but also during interviews. It shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hindles Limited
✨Know Your Chemistry
Make sure you brush up on your chemistry knowledge before the interview. Since this role is heavily focused on chemistry, being able to discuss relevant concepts and how they apply to patent law will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Research Reddie & Grose
Take some time to learn about Reddie & Grose and their approach to training. Understanding their emphasis on structured learning and the supportive environment can help you articulate why you want to work there and how you fit into their culture.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in relation to patent prosecution. Think of examples from your studies or internships where you had to tackle complex issues and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since the role involves a steep learning curve, express your eagerness to learn and grow within the firm. Mention any relevant experiences where you’ve taken the initiative to expand your knowledge, whether through internships, reading, or attending workshops.