Trainee Patent Attorney - Chemistry

Kilburn & Strode; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading European patent firm in Westminster is seeking trainees for its Chemistry training programme starting in October 2026. Trainees will develop into patent attorneys through structured training, mastering the fundamentals of patent law, drafting patent applications, and working with global clients. Candidates should have a strong academic record, a degree in chemistry, and ideally A-levels in chemistry, biology, and another STEM subject. The role offers significant mentorship and exposure to client matters.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 at undergraduate level.
• Focus on organic chemistry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a structured training programme to become a UK & European patent attorney.
• Draft patent applications and participate in opinion and opposition work.
• Interact with clients and contribute to business development initiatives.

Skills

Strong academic record

Scientific background

Interpersonal skills

Education

Graduate or postgraduate degree in chemistry

A-levels in chemistry and biology

Third STEM subject (physics or mathematics)

Job description

Overview

We are recruiting for places on our Chemistry training programme to start in October 2026 - where we will support, mentor and develop you into a world class patent attorney working on some of the most exciting new products and ideas from across the globe. This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career within our Chemistry team which is comprised of over 25 trainees and qualified attorneys. Our team is led by dedicated, market-leading experts who offer you training, quality of work, direct exposure to client matters, business development initiatives and the support to ensure you are developing in your career. Kilburn & Strode provides a quality structured training programme and a dedicated people manager to guide you through your traineeship. You will learn the fundamentals of UK and European patent law, how to draft patent applications, participate in opinion and opposition work and interact with clients.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a structured training programme to become a UK & European patent attorney.
• Master the fundamentals of UK and European patent law.
• Draft patent applications and participate in opinion and opposition work.
• Interact with clients and contribute to business development initiatives where appropriate.
• Work within Kilburn & Strode’s Chemistry team, gaining exposure to a range of global clients and innovations.

Qualifications

• Solid scientific background with a strong academic record.
• Graduate or postgraduate degree in chemistry, with an organic chemistry focus.
• Ideally chemistry and biology A-levels and preferably a third STEM subject (e.g., physics or mathematics).
• On track to, or have achieved, a minimum of a 2:1 at undergraduate level.

Why Kilburn & Strode

Kilburn & Strode is a leading firm of European patent and trade mark attorneys with offices in London, The Netherlands and San Francisco. We work with our clients on their biggest challenges and are committed to diversity and inclusion as we support our clients with high-impact IP matters for globally innovative companies.