Job Title

Dehns, Trainee Patent Attorney ChemicalWe have an opportunity for a graduate or post-graduate to join our thriving and friendly Chemical team in our Brighton office in September 2026.The role will provide a varied and interesting caseload working directly with a number of large UK & US based multinationals (including some well-known client names), with some exposure to foreign agency work. The role is client-facing, working mainly on prosecution work, with opportunities to get involved with EPO opposition and appeal work too.There is also the option of a secondment with one of our multinational clients.This is an excellent opportunity to start your career and build your professional reputation with one of the leading Top Tier IP firms.Brighton is one of the UKs most diverse and vibrant cities, with a strong creative and tech scene as well as a relaxed/friendly pace of life. Our Brighton office is a modern, purpose-built office block centrally located next to Brighton train station, although many of the trainees live within walking distance of the office.DetailsReporting to: Assigned Supervising PartnerLocation: The principal place of business will be the Firms Brighton office. The Firm is located on other sites within the UK and Europe; travel to, and working from, these offices will be required from time to time. The Firm operates a Hybrid Working policy, permitting full-time trainee patent attorneys to work from home one day a week initially, and then two days per week once they have at least 2 years experience and with the approval of their Supervising Partner.Hours of work: 35 hours per week to be worked in accordance with the provisions of the Firms flexitime scheme.Purpose of role: To work with a range of Partners, Senior Associates and Associates in supporting the Firms clients with their patent portfolios, while simultaneously working towards qualification as both a European Patent Attorney and a Chartered UK Patent Attorney.Main Responsibilities:Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to:Direct client work in an appropriate technical areaLiaising with inventors, technical and research directors, local patent attorneys, in-house attorneys, IP managers and CEOsAdvising clients on applying for and exploiting patent protection to ensure successful protection of their innovationsWorking with clients to develop and implement global IP strategiesIdentifying new inventionsDrafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in both the UK and Europe, as well as directing prosecution of patent applications in various jurisdictions outside Europe and preparing and sending patent filing instructions to overseas attorneysCorresponding with intellectual property offices to respond to official objections to a clients patent application(s)Conducting oppositions, appeals, entitlement hearings, invalidity and revocation proceedings before relevant offices and tribunals, and representing clients at oral hearingsIdentifying third party patent rightsMonitoring and reviewing third party patent applicationsProviding Freedom To Operate (FTO) and validity opinionsConducting Intellectual Property audits and due diligence for clientsTaking an active approach in business development opportunities with the support of the firms marketing and business development departmentWorking towards qualification as a European Patent Attorney and a Chartered UK Patent AttorneyThe PersonWe welcome applications from graduates and post-graduates who have a strong academic background, in Chemistry, Chemistry in combination with any other science, Analytical Chemistry or Natural Sciences.Suitable candidates will have:Excellent academic competence you must achieve, or have achieved, a 2.1 degree result or above in a relevant chemical subjectThe ability to analyse and interpret complex technical mattersAbility to review large amounts of information and pick out the pertinent pointsStrong scientific communication skills, both oral and writtenCoachabilityResilienceAn ability to work under pressure, prioritise to meet deadlines, and multi-taskAn ability to work independently to a high standardStrong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and good interpersonal skillsA fundamental sense of commerciality as well as technical excellence, we are also looking for the potential to adeptly and perceptively help our clients achieve their goals.The OfferAs well as a highly competitive salary and wide ranging benefits package, we offer a relaxed, friendly, sociable environment in which to work. We have active Charities and EDI Committees who run regular events, alongside a whole calendar of social, wellbeing and club activities which also take place throughout the year.We provide unrivalled training and support at every stage of your career. We stand out from other firms by having a dedicated Professional Support Attorney, a qualified attorney with many years of experience, who oversees training within the firm. Through specifically designed training and tutorial programmes, we ensure that not only are our trainees in the best possible position to achieve professional qualification, they are also equipped with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers.About usConsistently top tier ranked by IP and legal directories, our core business for over 100 years has been to obtain and defend intellectual property rights for local and international clients ranging from large, multinational corporations to small and medium sized businesses and private individuals.Our practical, business-oriented approach to intellectual property helps us to turn inspired thinking into patents, trade marks and registered designs that are valuable commercial assets for our clients.People are at the heart of Dehns. We care about each and every one of our employees and work/life balance is important to us. We pride ourselves on our commitment to training and provide unrivalled support to our trainees and attorneys through to qualification and beyond.We actively embrace diversity in all its forms background, identity, experience and thought and are passionate about providing a workplace in which all individuals can thrive. We strongly believe that diversity enriches our culture and enhances the quality of the work that we do for our clients.Dehns is one of Europes leading IP law firms with more than 300 people across 8 offices in 3 European countries. We have been obtaining and protecting IP on behalf of our clients for more than 100 years, and for a wide range of organisations across a comprehensive range of technologies.Please mention IP Careers when applying to Dehns. #J-18808-Ljbffr