Part-Qualified Chemical Patent Attorney

Withers & Rogers LLP; Warwick, London, Sheffield, Bristol; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intellectual property law firm is seeking a Part-Qualified Patent Attorney. You will advise clients on IP protection, draft patent specifications, and engage in client relationship development. The role offers flexibility with hybrid working and requires a strong background in chemistry. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to client management. Join a supportive and inclusive culture focused on professional growth.

Benefits

Healthcare cash plan

Flexible working options

Enhanced Parental Leave options

Positive work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in analyzing and identifying novel features of inventions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with research and development teams.
• Track record of building rapport with clients.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on securing appropriate IP protection.
• Draft specifications for complex technical inventions.
• Build a network of contacts to convert into clients.

Skills

Strong academic or industry record in chemistry

Impeccable written English

Experience in drafting claims

Strong communication skills

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

Part-qualified (UK or European) Patent Attorney

Job description

The Role

Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms, with offices across the UK, Paris, and Munich. Established more than 130 years ago, we remain as passionate as ever about making intellectual property work to our clients’ best advantage. Today, our clients include many renowned, innovative organisations from across Europe, North America, and Asia.

We believe that our patent and trade mark attorneys, support, and operations staff have a breadth of expertise and a depth of specialist sector knowledge that is second to none.

Our purpose is building trusting relationships and our vision is to be an independent, responsible, sustainably profitable, and globally focused firm, known for building trusting relationships.

This role has arisen because of increasing work volume and client expansion within our Life Sciences and Chemistry group. The contractual base for this role will be in one of our UK locations, London (preferred), Bristol, Sheffield or Warwick; however, we embrace hybrid working, and you will therefore have the opportunity to mix days in the office and home, as agreed with your line manager but there is an expectation that employees will attend the offices as needed for their role. National and international travel may be necessary in this role.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Advising clients on securing appropriate IP protection
• Corresponding with clients, Patent Offices and overseas Attorneys
• Researching prior art and working directly with clients to develop creative and persuasive arguments against patent office objections
• Thoroughly analysing and editing existing patent specifications to overcome objections to patent applications
• Drafting specifications for complex technical inventions
• Attending hearings at the European Patent Office
• Researching and advising on the status, scope and validity of third-party intellectual property rights
• Giving direction and sharing knowledge with operations staff
• Building a network of contacts, with a view to converting contacts to clients
• Developing the relationship with our current clients and bringing in new business
• Any other duties where necessary to ensure the needs of the business are met

About You

To join us as a Part-Qualified Patent Attorney, you’ll need:

• A part-qualified (UK or European) Patent Attorney (recently qualified candidates will also be considered)
• A strong academic or industry record in chemistry, ideally in organic, pharmaceutical, process or green chemistry, and the ability to communicate effectively about technical concepts with the research and development teams of our clients
• To be skilled in analysing and identifying the novel features and commercial potential of an invention with plenty of experience in drafting claims and responses to office actions for prosecution
• Impeccable written English and first-rate communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly and accurately
• A track record of interacting effectively with staff and clients at all levels and an enthusiastic team-player with a proactive approach
• The ability to prioritise workload, manage high volumes of work and meet deadlines
• A track record of building rapport with clients and helping to develop new business

Your Rewards

• Benefits such as healthcare cash plan and additional holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced Parental Leave options
• Positive and welcoming work environment

Applications will be reviewed as they are received so early applications are encouraged.

We foster a supportive and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to broaden their knowledge, challenge themselves and share their ideas.

If you think you have the skills to succeed, we would love to hear from you.

Please mention IP Careers when applying to Withers & Rogers LLP.