Trainee Patent Attorney, Engineering

Cooley LLP; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooley LLP in London invites applications for a Trainee Patent Attorney role. This graduate position offers a pathway to UK and European qualification, with training and support provided from seasoned patent lawyers across a global firm.

No prior patent or legal experience is required; you will work on a broad range of technologies including software, AI, electronics and engineering, developing both scientific and commercial expertise.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate STEM degree is required; postgraduate qualification preferred but not essential.
• Ability to understand and analyze complex scientific concepts.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Curiosity to learn

Bioinformatics knowledge

Software/AI awareness

Education

Physics

Electronics

Computer Science

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Tools

Software/AI experience

Job description

About Cooley

Cooley is a leading global law firm with over 1300 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States, Asia and Europe, working with innovative, often disruptive companies and investors at all stages.

Working at Cooley provides an opportunity for collaboration, challenge and reward. We are all part of one firm dedicated to maintaining a diverse workplace that values and celebrates differences. It is the unique abilities and perspectives of every individual at Cooley that create a rewarding workplace, and a key part of what makes us Cooley. Our people-first culture, philosophy and firmwide commitment to inclusion and wellness are central to our success and are driving forces behind our global growth.

Our cooperative spirit is the trademark of the Cooley culture and every employee in every department is instrumental to the success of the firm. Cooley is devoted to continually advancing our standing as one of the world’s greatest law firms, and we believe part of that is achieved when we live up to the promise of making our firm a great place to work.

The Global Patent Counseling & Prosecution Group

Cooley has one of the largest global patent groups among any of the AmLaw 20 law firms, with 120+ lawyers and patent professionals worldwide. We represent 1,400+ companies in all aspects of patent counseling and prosecution. At Cooley, we don’t just focus on acquiring patent rights. We understand that patents are just one component of a bigger strategy, so we provide holistic patenting services and advice geared towards improving the bottom line, increasing shareholder/investor value, attracting strategic partners and positioning our clients for growth and success. By looking at patent rights from all angles and working with companies across all levels, we are able to anticipate what’s on the road ahead.

Cooley’s global patent counseling and prosecution team assists clients in the strategic acquisition, protection and monetisation of patent rights in the US, UK and Europe and in commercially significant markets around the world. Our team of patent lawyers, located in offices across the US and UK, brings to bear decades of experience drafting, prosecuting, defending, and opposing patents at patent offices including the US Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office. In addition to our coverage across the US, UK and Europe, we have a carefully vetted network of counsel with whom we partner located in key jurisdictions worldwide.

The London patent practice was established in 2015 to offer clients a comprehensive service covering all aspects of patent practice in the life sciences, mechanical and high-tech sectors.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a talented graduate to join our London patent practice as a Trainee Patent Attorney.

This is an opportunity to use your scientific background in a legal and commercial environment, working with innovative companies and technologies. No previous experience of patents or law is required. We will provide the training and support needed to develop towards qualification as a UK and European patent attorney.

Patent attorneys use their scientific expertise to understand new technologies and help clients identify and protect commercially important innovations. As a trainee at Cooley, you will work with experienced patent attorneys and other lawyers on a broad range of patent matters for innovative companies spanning software, artificial intelligence, electronics, engineering and other cutting‑edge technologies.

As part of a global full-service law firm, our patent practice works closely with colleagues across Cooley, providing opportunities to see intellectual property in its wider commercial context, including investment, licensing, transactions and disputes. You will continue to engage closely with science, analysing new technologies, identifying what makes an invention important, developing strategies for protecting it and communicating complex scientific and legal issues clearly and persuasively.

Key Requirements:

• Ability to understand and analyse complex scientific concepts and technical information, including technologies outside your immediate area of expertise.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Close attention to detail.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to organise and prioritise work, manage a varied workload, adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and developing new skills.
• Interest in applying scientific knowledge in a legal and commercial environment.
• Knowledge or experience of software/AI would be advantageous, particularly where this extends to bioinformatics applications.

Academic Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in physics, electronics, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering or a related engineering discipline is required. A relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred but not essential.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:

We strive to create an inclusive and rewarding environment that allows our people to thrive both professionally and personally. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Firm will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. The Firm does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, promotion, termination, and access to benefits and training.