We are proud of the extensive training programme we offer our trainees to support them through their professional qualifications, and our high pass rate is testament to the effectiveness of our training. Beyond qualification, we encourage all fee earners to undertake an external course on oral proceedings, and offer a broad range of Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys webinars and other training. Our life sciences & chemistry and IT & engineering practices both run monthly case law review meetings; these also provide an opportunity for people to get together over a lunch – including those who travel to London for the day from our regional offices.
We offer the best of both worlds: the advantages of a larger firm in terms of breadth of work and opportunities, first rate resources and a lively working environment; coupled with an internal structure of small teams. You will quickly get to know your immediate colleagues, while regular team social events (at which secretaries and support staff members also participate) help ensure a fun, supportive culture.
We have a clear career progression structure from Trainee to Associate, Managing Associate and Partner. For some fee earners, promotion comes quickly, but we have no set timescale, so for others the journey takes longer. Our competency framework sets out the expectations and objectives applicable to each level of seniority, and you will have regular feedback on your progress. A committee made up of the most senior Partners in the firm and the Head of HR meets annually to discuss all those eligible for promotion, and to set objectives for everyone. There are no quotas when it comes to promotion.
A Partnership Board meets monthly along with our Function Heads to discuss the key issues affecting the firm, and to plan strategically for the short and longer term future. The Board always has one Junior Partner representative who is elected by their peers. Board papers and decisions are available to all Partners and input from them, and indeed more junior staff, is always welcomed.
Our HR department is well established and has two members of staff who ensure our benefits, processes and policies reflect our status as a leading professional services firm that wants to maintain a reputation as an employer of choice. It also looks after learning and development, ensuring that courses, exam bookings, and so on, are all centrally managed for you.
