Trainee Patent Attorney - Advanced Engineering
Sheffield, UK
Withers & Rogers LLP are looking for a bright and curious mind to join the firm's Advanced Engineering group in September 2025 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.
Becoming a Patent Attorney at Withers & Rogers
An excellent salary is on offer, as well as a discretionary Christmas bonus and our full package of employee benefits, which includes our healthcare cash plan, holiday buy/sell scheme, a generous sabbatical policy and more.
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.
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.
Who we're looking for
Applicants should have a strong degree (2:1 or above at undergraduate level as a minimum) in a chemical engineering discipline, ideally, with a focus on petrochemicals (catalytic cracking, catalytic reforming etc).
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.
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 Advanced Engineering group is enthusiastic about great engineering. Our team works across a hugely diverse span of technologies, from medical devices, motorsport, oil and gas exploration, vehicle transmission to off-highway vehicles, sporting goods and more.
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.
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 Thursday 26 June 2025. The assessment day is booked to take place week commencing 4 August 2025 in our Sheffield office. Successful applicants will start in mid-September 2025, 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
