For patents, most of the training is done ‘on the job’ by working with qualified attorneys on active cases. In addition to the on-the-job training, Appleyard Lees puts on tutorials for trainees who are taking specific exams. These tutorial sessions involve going through past paper questions with qualified attorneys who provide feedback. Trainees are encouraged to broaden their general IP knowledge base by attending CIPA/CIPA informal’s events, such as the foundation lectures. Appleyard Lees covers the costs associated with CIPA membership, examination fees, and the attendance of revision courses.
For Trade Marks the training is primarily ‘on the job’ and you learn by getting involved with cases right from the beginning. You get the opportunity to work with and learn from several different attorneys which is a great experience as it means that you get exposure to a wide variety of work. The firm also financially supports trainees through the two courses requested to become a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney (Queen Mary & Nottingham) as well as organising training sessions for trainees to develop their soft skills.
At Appleyard Lees, trainees take the UK foundation exams before sitting the UK final exams. Trainees prepare through a combination of revision courses, personal study, and tutorials as mentioned above. In addition, trainees taking foundations exams for the first time receive one day per month to take for revision, along with the day of the exam, and an additional study day for each exam being taken.
Trainees are encouraged to attend relevant events and explore relationships with potential new clients. We have a fantastic marketing team who help to bring relevant events to our attention and help with making those connections.
From day 1 you’ll be working on real cases for important clients. You’ll be working very closely with all the members of your team, and everything gets discussed before the final version goes to the client or patent office. As time goes by, you’ll build on your learning and grow in confidence.
Appleyard Lees provides exposure to all aspects of work on a patent lifecycle, from drafting and filing to international prosecution in a wide range of countries, and even to opposition and appeal at the European Patent Office. You’ll also start thinking about the qualifying examinations – Appleyard Lees encourages each trainee to approach these at their own pace, which is a wonderful freedom to have when getting to grips with a new career!
Throughout your first year, you will primarily assist the more senior members of the team with their caseload. The focus for trainees in their first year is getting to grips with how things work within the team and building a solid foundation in the basics of IP law and client care. Common tasks include things like:
At Appleyard Lees, there are also opportunities to get involved with litigation which could include:
Our team will take a holistic view in order to protect and maintain your market edge.
As a trainee at Appleyard Lees, you are given plenty of opportunities to attend events. Some of the best events our Trainees have attended have been directed towards funding opportunities for start-ups, where they have gained significant insights into the commercial impact of patents/trade marks and the real-life impact of our work. There are also plenty of social events for trainees to keep connected and expand their network.
