Entry level

J A Kemp & Co normally recruits up to six people each year to be trained as patent attorneys. We also consider applications from high calibre candidates to train as trade mark attorneys. Amongst London firms, J A Kemp & Co has a reputation for training and a record of first-time successes in professional examinations that is second to none. What particularly distinguishes the firm in this area is the breadth and depth of the programme of internal tutorials and discussion groups provided to complement external courses. We also commit huge resources to on-the-job training, monitoring the progress of all our trainees carefully to ensure that their portfolio of work develops appropriately. An experienced attorney is assigned to each trainee to act as a mentor, setting targets for their performance and development and supporting their progress.

Training as a patent attorney

The minimum academic requirement for training as a patent attorney is a 2.1 honours degree in a scientific or technical subject, preferably Physics, Engineering, Chemistry or Biosciences such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology or Plant Sciences as well as at least 360 UCAS points. In the Biosciences field, we require applicants who are completing or have completed a PhD. An excellent command of the English language and the ability to think and explain technical matters clearly are essential.

All patent attorney trainees are expected to take and pass examinations leading to qualification both as a European Patent Attorney and as a British Patent Attorney. To assist in this trainees will be sent on appropriate external courses, including the QMW Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, in addition to on-the-job training and internal courses.

Training as a trade mark attorney

We require a trainee trade mark attorney to have a good honours degree, with a preference for languages or law. Each trainee is expected to train and qualify as a European Trade Mark Representative and as a Member of the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys. To assist in this trainees will be sent on appropriate external courses in addition to on-the-job training and internal courses.

What our trainees say about us

We believe that the best ambassadors for our approach to professional training are our own trainees and attorneys. Here is what some of our trainees have to say:

“I joined J A Kemp & Co after completing my PhD. Like many people, I decided that although lab work was no longer for me, I still wanted to work in a scientific environment. So far, I haven’t been disappointed with that decision! Right from the outset I’ve been involved in prosecuting patents for a variety of clients, which means dealing with a range of technologies on a day-to-day basis. The work is definitely challenging, however the extensive support and training I’ve received has helped me to adapt to life as a patent attorney very quickly.”

Vicki Allen, Biotechnology Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2010

“I was keen to find a job that would be intellectually stimulating and my experience so far has lived up to my expectations. The firm provides an excellent schedule of in-house training in preparation for the necessary exams. More importantly, the partners and associates invest a substantial amount of time providing valuable general training in order to equip you with the necessary skills required to become a proficient patent attorney.”

Kirsten Petrie, Biotechnology Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2009

"After taking the LPC I knew that I would like to focus on Intellectual Property law and felt that a career as a trade mark attorney would provide me with a great variety purely within this area.  I find the work in J A Kemp & Co’s growing trade mark practice mentally stimulating, while the sensible hours mean you have time outside the office for a social life.”

Deborah Aldridge, Trade Mark Attorney Trainee, joined 2008

“When I left university, I wanted to find a job where I would be able to use my degree (and my brain) and pursue a rewarding career path. I also felt I'd had enough of exams. I spent about a year as a 'bean counter' in the public sector, before deciding it was not for me and that the patent attorney profession - despite the exams! - was likely to be more rewarding in every way. Two years into my career with J A Kemp & Co (and with some of the exams under my belt), I am very glad I did. Working and training at J A Kemp & Co has definitely been the intellectual challenge I was looking for, and working with some very bright people at all levels of the profession has been as stimulating as I hoped.” 

Tom Leanse, Chemistry Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2008 

“When I’m asked about what I do for a living, I often talk about how varied my work is. On my desk currently are papers about manufacturing computer chips, a nitrous oxide sensor and an ink-jet printer. After two and a half years in the job, I still enjoy the intellectual challenge each day brings and would recommend the profession to friends.”

James Main, Electronics & Engineering Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2007

Qualified attorneys

We are also open to approaches from candidates with a track record of success at post-qualification level and above. Applicants are often attracted by our benefits package and flexible working arrangements as well as by the opportunity to join a leading practice with patent expertise in all technology areas and exposure to all types of trade mark work.

In summary…

Described as ‘first rate’ in Chambers’ on-line UK Guide, and consistently ranked in the top tier of UK patent attorney firms in The Legal 500, J A Kemp & Co offers exceptional prospects for a satisfying and rewarding career. If you are attracted by what J A Kemp & Co has to offer, and believe that you have what it takes to contribute to the future success of the firm, we would like to hear from you.

Applications to our firm are handled centrally. To apply for a position as a patent attorney, either as a trainee or at a more senior level, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@jakemp.com, addressing the letter to the head of the relevant patent technology group. Geoff Woods is the head of our Biotechnology Group, John Benson is the head of our Chemistry Group and Mike Nicholls is the head of our Electronics & Engineering Group (please do not email the head of the group directly).

If you wish to apply for a position as a trade mark attorney, please send your CV with a covering letter to recruitment@jakemp.com, addressing the letter to James Fish, the head of the Trade Marks group. We consider CVs from outstanding candidates all year round and will invite candidates for interview when we have a vacancy.