Trainee Patent Attorney - Computer Science

Withers & Rogers; England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Support for training and qualification

Diverse and inclusive work environment

Job summary

A leading intellectual property law firm in the UK is seeking a Trainee Patent Attorney to join their Electronics, Computing & Physics group. This role involves training to qualify as a Patent Attorney in the UK and Europe, covering exciting technology cases. Candidates should have a strong degree in computer science or AI, excellent communication skills, and a passion for technology. The position offers great career prospects and a supportive training environment.

Qualifications

• Strong degree in computer science or AI is essential.
• Demonstrated passion for technology outside academics.
• Confident communication with clients and staff required.

Responsibilities

• Exposure to real cases under supervision early on.
• Participate in courses and tutorials for qualification.
• Contribute significantly to client work in first year.

Skills

Strong passion for technology

Excellent written and verbal communication

Ability to grasp new technical concepts

Confidence in client communication

French language skills

German language skills

Education

2:1 or above in computer science or AI

Postgraduate qualification with computational or AI element

Job description

Overview

Trainee Patent Attorney - Computer Science at Withers & Rogers LLP. We are looking for a bright and curious mind to join the firm's Electronics, Computing & Physics group as a Trainee Patent Attorney.

This is an opportunity to train and qualify as a Patent Attorney in both the UK and Europe, working with some of the world’s most exciting businesses to help protect their cutting-edge technology.

A career in the patent profession offers a unique platform to put your technical expertise into practice in a commercial environment. Long-term career prospects are fantastic, and Withers & Rogers pride themselves on their employees’ work-life balance: realistic business targets mean that you will have time for a life outside of the office.

Apply now to join Withers & Rogers and discover why a career as a Patent Attorney is a fantastic use of your academic training.

Responsibilities

The main focus of training, however, is exposure to a great variety of work on actual live cases under the supervision of a qualified Attorney. We give our trainees real responsibility early on, and you should expect to be making a significant contribution to client work within your first year.

Qualification as a Chartered UK & European Patent Attorney involves passing several sets of examinations, and we provide a comprehensive package of support for our trainees through the process. We will pay for you to attend courses, lectures and tutorials which are organised by the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA). In addition, we have our own in-house tutorial system to prepare trainees for both the UK and European qualifying exams. Our patent professionals offer advice and help throughout, so you won't be on your own.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a strong degree (2:1 or above at undergraduate level as a minimum) in computer science or Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We are also open to applications from candidates who have a postgraduate qualification with a strong computational or AI element.

You will be able to demonstrate a passion for technology that goes beyond the academic, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to grasp new technical concepts. Confidence when communicating effectively with clients and staff of all levels is also a prerequisite.

French and German language skills are desirable but by no means essential.

Though not essential, relevant work experience may put candidates at an advantage, and we would welcome applications from experienced individuals who wish to make a career change into the patent profession.

Why choose Withers & Rogers?

Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated intellectual property law firms. Our Electronics, Computing & Physics practice group works across a hugely diverse span of technologies, from telecommunications network and systems providers, and integrated circuit design companies, to medical equipment manufacturers, computer systems providers, and aerospace and avionics manufacturers.

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.

We focus on building strong partnerships with clients - getting to know their business, seeking to understand how best to protect the fruits of their developments and how to ensure that IP protection genuinely adds value to their organisation.

At Withers & Rogers, we believe in nurturing a diverse working environment where everybody feels included and valued. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining people from all walks of life and backgrounds. We promise to create a culture of inclusion where all individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, can enjoy a good work-life balance, and have the opportunity to excel in their chosen career.

Next Steps

The closing date for applications is Monday 3 November 2025, and the assessment day is scheduled to take place on Friday 12 December 2025, in our London office. The successful applicant will start in September 2026, however, earlier start dates will be considered.

Our application form is online, and your progress will be saved once you have started the application, allowing you to make edits prior to submitting if you wish to.

Candidates who meet shortlisting requirements will be asked to undertake an online aptitude assessment, which we will use to aid our sifting process.

For any questions relating to the vacancy or the application process, please contact the HR team.