Skip to main content
Patent Trainee

Patent Trainee

Patent attorneys occupy a unique position where technology, law and business meet.

From day one as a Patent Trainee, you will have access to a wealth of experience, support, and supervision. After getting used to our processes and learning the ropes, you will take part in regular meetings to share information and best practices, alongside external and internally-hosted training courses.

Our team structure broadens your network and enhances your support throughout your training. You will have the opportunity to work with a range of our attorneys and partners, and experience working with a wide range of our clients. Gaining a breadth of experience and exposure to commercial strategy is essential to building a successful career as a fully qualified UK and European Patent Attorney.

Throughout the year as a Patent Trainee, you will be able to participate in training sessions covering a range of topics, from details of patent law to effective client management and communication. When it comes to examinations, we provide study and examination leave, and individual support to ensure you are given every opportunity to succeed. We also host regular practice sessions with colleagues sitting similar examinations, providing advice on exam technique, in the lead-up to the examinations.

Patent Trainee Benefits

Forresters Lateral Hire - Holiday

Holiday

We’ll give you up to 31 days’ leave to have fun with. Time away from work is important, as we think that makes you a better attorney.

Forresters Lateral Hire - Mental Health Support

Mental Health Support

We all have mental health, but we want you to feel great while working here. We offer many supportive measures and benefits to ensure you are at your best.

Forresters Lateral Hire - Flexible Working

Flexible Working

We understand how much you value flexibility, so we will work with you to get the balance right.

Discounted Benefits

You will have access to lots of discounted retail sites and gym memberships.

Wellbeing - Team lunches

Team Lunches

We offer the opportunity for colleagues in all offices to get together at least once a month for lunch.

Patent Trainee

Pensions

It’s never too early to save for retirement. We offer 5% towards your future retirement.

Patent Trainee

Charity Day

Contributing back to society is something we encourage. We will give you a paid day off every year to volunteer at a charity of your choice.

Hear from our next generation

Your Pathway to Qualification (United Kingdom)

Year 1

Whether joining from industry or as a graduate student, you will get involved in real cases right away. You’ll learn the basics of patent law and how to apply it, as well as gaining experience in client communication.

Year 2

You’ll start to apply the basics of what you’ve learned to your work. You will also take your first set of exams this year, sitting three out of the five Patent Examination Board foundation papers.

Year 3

Although this year is quite exam-heavy, we offer lots of support, such as residential courses and in-house tutoring. You will also get involved in more complex work and take on more responsibilities, such as contentious work and preparing opinions.

Year 4

As you move towards qualification, you will build on your experience and become more independent. You’ll continue to receive guidance every step of the way, and prepare to take ownership of your own clients.

Year 5 & Beyond

Once you have completed all your exams, you will be a qualified European and UK Patent Attorney. You’ll then start to take on your own clients and portfolio, and get more involved in business development.

We typically open applications for new patent attorney trainees in the autumn, aiming for you to start with us the following autumn.

In your application, we’ll expect you to tell us a bit about yourself, and why you want to become a patent attorney. If invited for an interview, you’ll visit our offices and participate in some practical sessions, which will help us understand how you think and approach tasks. If you’re interested in training to become a patent attorney with us, you can sign up for job alerts to be notified when we begin our next round of recruitment.

Forresters’ Commitment to Community

Forresters Equality - Career at Forresters

Equality & Diversity

Our diverse and passionate Equality & Diversity group works across various offices, roles, and seniority levels. They actively contribute to industry-leading E&D initiatives and engage our colleagues through regular discussions, events, and celebrations.

Read more
Forresters Wellbeing - Career at Forresters

Wellbeing

To achieve the best, people have to feel their best. That's why we prioritise employee wellbeing. Dedicated mental health first aiders and a passionate working group offer support and resources to help colleagues thrive.

Read more

Environment

Committed to sustainability, we offset travel emissions, use eco-friendly booking platforms, and work from The Gherkin, London's iconic eco-skyscraper. Planet Mark accreditation is next on our journey.

Charity Work

Empowering employees to make a difference, our Giving Something Back scheme grants a paid day for volunteering with local charities. They can connect with their communities, support causes they care about, and contribute to positive change.