Role: Trainee Patent Attorney
Careers Section: Patents
University: University of Sheffield
Degree: PhD Biomaterials
Why did you choose a job in this profession?
Like most people who join the profession, I was seeking a career which used my scientific knowledge and kept me at the forefront of scientific advances, but didn’t involve laboratory-based research. I organised work experience in a number of office-based scientific professions and found that intellectual property was the most interesting and aligned to my strengths and skills. I also found the challenge of learning the law appealing.
What attracted you to your role & how did you get your job at Secerna LLP?
I attended Secerna’s Taster Day in 2022 which gave me first-hand insight into their people and working ethos. Everyone I spoke to on the day was friendly, enthusiastic and patiently answered my questions. I also got to meet the partners, who again were friendly and approachable, and generous with their time.
Secerna was exactly what I wanted in terms of firm size, client base and location. Because they are purely an IP firm, I knew I would be exposed to a large variety of work and client types. I also knew I would have opportunities to learn from a number of qualified attorneys, rather than training under only one partner. When the position was advertised I simply applied with my CV and covering letter. I was then invited to an online interview followed by an in-person interview with the partners, and was shortly afterwards offered the job.
What would you like to achieve in the future?
Ultimately, my aim is to be a confident UK and European qualified attorney. I therefore plan to undertake the exams needed to qualify in both jurisdictions. I will shortly start a university course which will give me an exemption for the first set of UK exams. Fortunately, there are a couple of courses Secerna supports for their trainees, so my first step is to decide which of the courses best suits me.
What was the application process like - any advice?
I found that the application process for the profession as a whole is fairly straightforward and, for the most part, is similar from firm to firm. Most firms simply ask for your CV and a covering letter initially. Some may ask for written work at this stage too. This is followed by a first interview, usually online, and then an in-person interview.
Your application is an opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills and attention to detail. Use clear, concise language and make sure your application is free from errors.
I recommend practising describing typical household objects, such as a screwdriver or a sieve, in a manner that identifies the essential features and optional features of the object. Tasks similar to this came up in the vast majority of applications and interviews, in either a written or verbal capacity.
Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enter the profession?
The main piece of advice I give to people thinking of pursuing a career as a patent attorney is to engage with as much work experience as you can. I think it is important to try the profession and be confident that it is for you before committing to several years of training and exams. This is especially true if you are transitioning from a research-based role. Several firms offer formal work experience schemes, but I also reached out to partners at firms to shadow them for a couple of days. Most partners will have their email addresses on their firm’s website.
If you already know that IP is the profession for you, taster days and open evenings are a great way to learn about specific firms and to meet some of their partners and trainees to see if that firm is a good fit for you.
