Graduate Professional Staff |
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Graduates usually join to train either as Patent Attorneys or as Trade Mark Attorneys; it is not so common today for people to qualify or practice in both disciplines although this opportunity may be available to someone who is suitably qualified and determined. To train as a Patent Attorney you will require a good science or engineering degree. Many of our graduate trainees also have postgraduate degrees or doctorates and/or industrial or post-doctoral research experience. While this is by no means essential - many trainees also join straight after completion of their first degree - it does show that our definition of "graduate" is much wider than many other organisations! As a general rule, however, the longer since your first degree, the more relevant your experience should be. Trade mark attorneys do not require any specific degree, although a law degree is probably most immediately helpful, while modern languages will also be of benefit. All fee-earners must be able to demonstrate strong communication skills: you will be advising clients orally and in writing, and must be able to liaise with people from many parts of an organisation, from individual inventors to managing directors. Strong, grammatically correct written English is therefore essential, as the "finished product" of much of our work is in writing. Good oral communication skills are also vital - the ability to explain, to probe, to discuss, to argue, to defend a position, but also the ability to make people like you and want to work with you! The Firm's graduate recruitment plan for 2008 has now been agreed and vacancies are being advertised - see Job Search. The closing date for registering an interest in these vacancies is 28 February 2007, and application form will be sent to suitable applicants from the December 2007. You may register for your chosen field on this website, in which case we can email you as soon as this information is made public. Alternatively, or in addition, you may register your interest in joining us by sending your CV, with a short covering letter, to Nick Dougan, Practice Director, by email or to the address given below: Nick Dougan |