Trainee Patent Attorney required for Littlehampton-based firm for an immediate start to assist our Chemistry/Pharma team in particular with respect to our pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry caseload. An ability and desire to handle mechanical patent work and trade mark work would also be beneficial.

We are looking for a candidate with at least a Bachelors’ degree in chemistry and a strong background in organic chemistry, although a Masters’ degree or PhD in organic chemistry is highly preferred.

In the role you will work with our small molecule, start-up and drug discovery clients, initially to support the attorneys that handle these clients and in time to assume greater management and client-facing responsibility.

The duties associated with the job role principally consist of dealing with clients, associates and suppliers of the company in providing patent and/or trade mark attorney services, including drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the UK, Europe and internationally. This work will be carried out liaising with and reporting to other attorneys and company managers.

Comprehensive in-house and external training will be provided as required with the aim of achieving qualification as a UK and European Patent Attorney. Training in other areas, e.g. trade marks and designs, is also available.

You will be expected to demonstrate good interpersonal skills, excellent attention to detail, strong oral and written communication and an ability to work to tight deadlines. A full UK driving licence is preferred (but isn’t a requirement).

Based in Littlehampton on the south coast of England, we have a growing dynamic and friendly team. We are continually expanding both our client base and our personnel and are looking for an ideal candidate who will enhance our team.

Whilst remote working opportunities are available, we believe that trainee attorneys benefit greatly from face-to-face supervision from their supervisors and the support from other team members. Thus, the hours are Monday – Friday, 09:00 to 17:00, at our office in Littlehampton (but, as mentioned, remote working may be considered upon request). The salary will be in line with qualifications and industry norms.

We are an equal opportunities employer and signatories of IP Inclusive’s EDI Charter. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, however we are only able to consider applicants who are eligible to work in the UK.

Applications with a CV and brief covering letter, including details of 2 referees, should be sent to Keira Denton at kld@schlich.co.uk.

Application will close 28 February 2022.