Each year we take on a number of trainee patent attorneys. Trainees come on board as technical assistants and are assigned to our Chemistry, Biotechnology and Engineering & Tech practice groups. These are not set in stone and will be reviewed during your career at the firm. Although the exams as a whole are challenging, our trainees have an exemplary record in passing the UK and European qualifying exams, thanks to our structured tutorial programmes, team learning sessions and one-to-one mentoring.
Even at a trainee level it is a demanding role. Our clients have important commercial products and we often have to work to tight deadlines, so you are likely to find yourself working under pressure, and having to juggle multiple projects. Being a patent attorney is a challenging role, and we are looking for people who will thrive when faced with challenges.
You will be involved in a diverse range of work from day one, working with a number of partners, senior associates and other professionals. There is strong integration across our teams and each new cohort works closely together, which makes for a dynamic and fun learning environment.
As a trainee patent attorney it will typically take five years to complete the necessary qualifications and training to become registered in both the UK and Europe. The exams are tough, and during the preparation for these exams you’ll continue to do your day job, but you will receive lots of support along the way.
In order to give you an overview of the process, we have provided a simple timeline outlining your route to professional qualification.
Join us in September. Throughout your first year, you will undergo on-the-job training complemented by weekly in-house tutorials, led by partners or senior associates. You will also start Personal Development Workshops that will continue throughout your training programme, focusing on setting you up for success at the firm.
In September, you will attend the Queen Mary University’s “Certificate in Intellectual Property” course. Shortly after completion of the Queen Mary University’s “Certificate in Intellectual Property” you will take your first European exam (Paper F) in March. You will then continue to have on-the-job training and in-house tutorials after the completion of exams.
In March, you will sit the next two European Exams, M1 and M2. You will then begin preparing for your first UK Finals paper (FD1), which you will sit the following year. Internal and external revision courses are on offer to help you prepare for your exams.
You will sit your first UK Finals paper (FD1) in October, shortly followed by your final European exams, M3 and M4, in March. Subject to successfully passing the European Examinations, you will then become a qualified European patent attorney!
You will sit your last UK Finals paper (FD4) in October and subject to successfully passing both the UK Finals papers and your European Qualifying Examinations, you are now fully qualified! On completion of formal training, Carpmaels & Ransford provides an in-house, basic ligation course (completed within three years of qualification). Internal and external training continues throughout your career.
