Trainee Patent Attorney – Electronic engineering / computer Science

D Young & Co; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intellectual property consultancy in Southampton seeks a Trainee Patent Attorney to help protect innovations in computer architecture and related fields. This role offers comprehensive training, mentorship, and an opportunity to draft patent applications while working closely with clients. The ideal candidate will possess a strong academic background in relevant engineering fields, exhibit excellent problem-solving skills, and have a desire to make an impact in technology law. Applications are encouraged early for positions starting in 2026.

Benefits

Flexible benefits package

Bi-annual performance based bonuses

Structured training and mentoring

Qualifications

• Exceptional academic track record in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Prior patent experience in instruction set architecture, CPU or GPU micro-architecture.

Responsibilities

• Train to become a patent attorney with experts in the field.
• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications before patent offices.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written communication

Teamwork and autonomy

Interest in law and technology strategy

Education

Exceptional academic track record in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field

Job description

D Young & Co, Trainee Patent Attorney – Electronic engineering / computer Science

Are you passionate about innovation in computer architecture, micro-architecture or system-on-chip (SoC) design? Do you want to use your technical expertise to protect cutting-edge inventions and shape the future of technology? We are looking for a talented Trainee Patent Attorney to join our renowned Electronics & Mechanical team.

You will train to become a patent attorney alongside highly acclaimed colleagues in one of the leading teams in Europe, working with national and international clients across a wide range of industries and spanning many sectors.

What you will enjoy

• Challenging work, early responsibility and a training and personal development programme which is supportive and specific to you.
• Our commitment to developing talented graduates and post-doctorates who have the passion and initiative to build successful careers as patent attorneys.
• Full support and training towards qualification as a UK and European Patent Attorney.
• Working closely with clients to understand their inventions and translate complex technical ideas into strong patent applications.
• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the UK and European Patent Offices and other patent offices around the world.
• A rewarding and fulfilling working environment and broad ranging, flexible benefits package including bi-annual performance based bonuses.

What you will need

• An exceptional academic track record in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Academic, industry, or prior patent experience in instruction set architecture, CPU or GPU micro-architecture, SoC/ASIC design, processor pipelines, memory hierarchy, interconnects, or related areas.
• The desire and ability to share ideas and expertise, working both in a team as well as autonomously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent written communication.
• To be highly motivated, with the drive and ambition to progress your career.
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• A desire to be empowered to make a difference and achieve shared goals to deliver real excellence to clients.
• An interest in law, intellectual property, and technology strategy.
• Given the high volume of work we conduct for a leading UK-based fabless semiconductor company, we are an excellent place to learn patent drafting and prosecution relating to innovation in the fields of instruction set architecture and CPU micro-architecture design and other related areas.
• Structured training and mentoring from qualified attorneys.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge global tech companies in other technical fields as well.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative, intellectually stimulating, and supportive environment.

Positions starting in 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis – early application is encouraged.

Please mention IP Careers when applying to D Young & Co.