Life as a Trainee Patent Attorney means using your academic background in a stimulating and varied way. Working on innovations and inventions at the forefront of your scientific field. At Mewburn Ellis we’re collegial, supportive and progressive. With an industry-leading training programme and a placement scheme that keeps learning fresh and insightful we ensure that you’re set up to develop quickly and learn about the profession from a variety of partners from day one.

Trained for Excellence is one of our key values that permeates our firm. Our training programme underpins who we are and our forward-looking, ambitious approach.

Quantum Sciences at Mewburn Ellis

The quantum technology industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth as ground-breaking advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing underpin a strategic shift in foundational technologies for these sectors. Anticipated as the next great leap in human technology, quantum computing promises to enable profound advances in applications from artificial intelligence to materials science, chemistry and pharmaceuticals. In short, the quantum technology industry is undergoing a transformation in scale and reach, and quantum computing and algorithms are core to the success of much of this.

At Mewburn Ellis we are part of this change, advising and supporting our clients use intellectual property rights to nurture and protect their innovations, ideas and inventions in this fast-paced growth area. Join us and you could work in these fields with a range of clients from international quantum algorithms companies such as Riverlane to university startups such as ZuriQ. Find out more about our diverse portfolio, the work we do here.

“It's exciting to work with clients who are at the forefront of innovation in a field as high-profile and rapidly advancing as quantum technology. I feel lucky to be able to learn about complex new developments directly from the people who made them. For quantum companies, the right patent portfolio can be a crucial asset – it’s interesting to explore how we can use the law to obtain the protection for our clients” Josh, Attorney

The role

You will work closely with colleagues across our physics, technology and engineering group but also with attorneys from our life sciences and chemistry practice groups, as well as our solicitors and trade mark team. We take a holistic approach to IP and that will be a theme throughout your training and beyond.

Our training programme is varied and sometimes challenging but always rewarding. You will be invested in to grow personally and professionally. There’ll be lots of learning and opportunities to put your Quantum sciences background to good use. And you’ll work with different mentors across different areas within the technology and engineering group allowing you to develop as an attorney and find your niche.

You will sit with a qualified patent attorney and assist them with all parts of their work, including drafting and prosecuting patent applications and advising clients about various aspects of intellectual property law.

What’s in it for you?

• A friendly, inclusive and team-based working culture
• A hybrid office and home working approach
• A generous remuneration package
• Enhanced pension scheme / family leave
• Financial support for location changes - see placement scheme here
• 30 days annual leave (not inc. bank holidays) and additional study leave days
• Wide range of domestic and international clients with the chance to work abroad
• One paid day off per year for charitable endeavours and fundraising matching
• Firmwide discretionary bonus
• Multiple additional benefits such as discount vouchers, workplace ISA, electric car, bike to work and healthcare cash plan schemes

You’ll be well supported to pass your exams as well as develop your all-round skills as a patent attorney through our internal and external tutorials and regular input from experienced partners, backed up by feedback on your progress to inform and assist your development. And because we’re merit-based, your career progression is truly in your own hands.

We’re a leading European intellectual property firm with four UK offices and one in Munich. We’ve grown steadily and now have over 380 colleagues including 35 Trainees so expect to be part of a decent sized cohort of like-minded scientists!

About You

We look for individuals with a curious, enquiring mind. Excellent communication skills, especially in writing, are vital. General commercial awareness or experience is valuable, but no prior knowledge of patent law is required.

The role is highly specialist so a strong academic background within this technical area is critical. This could be a degree in physics or perhaps mathematics but with strong evidence of relevant post-grad learning and experience – for example a PhD in quantum sciences or a Masters in quantum sciences coupled with solid commercial experience. We are particularly interested to hear from you if you have experience in quantum computing and/or quantum algorithms. Please note that due to the level of expertise required, we are unable to progress applications that don’t meet these criteria.

Beyond academic excellence, we're looking for people with curiosity, drive and ambition; people who thrive on being challenged, want to make an impact, and are excited by the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in science, business and intellectual property.

If the role sounds appealing and you could start your career journey with us in Bristol, Cambridge, London or Manchester we’d love to hear from you. We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome a broad diversity of talent to apply.

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