Entry level

J A Kemp & Co normally recruits three or four 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 good honours degree in a scientific or technical subject, preferably Physics, Engineering, Chemistry or Biosciences such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Immunology or Plant Sciences. In the Biosciences field, we require applicants to have a PhD. Knowledge of German and/or French is an advantage. 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 such professional qualifications as European Patent Attorney and 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, including the QMW Certificate in Intellectual Property Law, 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:

“My background is in electronic and electrical engineering. I like the way the firm values my specialist knowledge from the outset, whilst seeking to give me exposure to other technologies across the computer software, materials science, optics and engineering spectrum. The professional training is rigorous right from the start, and I am confident that when I go into my exams I will be as well prepared as anyone.”

Birju Patel, Electronics & Engineering Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2008

“I came to J A Kemp & Co after completing part of my training at another firm. One of the things that attracted me most was the friendliness and openness of the people I met. Because the biotechnology team is one of the largest in the patent profession in Europe, there is always a colleague to bounce ideas off or someone with specialist knowledge that I can draw on. And the range of clients is superb - from cutting edge start-ups to world-class organisations."

Heloise West, Biotechnology Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2007

“In contrast to some of my friends working in management consultancy or banking, I’ve actually had to engage my brain most of the time at J A Kemp & Co! I find my day-to-day work interesting and challenging. It ranges from prosecuting patent applications on behalf of clients from around the world to drafting new patent applications for clients, conducting product clearance searches and opinions or assisting in opposition or litigation proceedings. Add in the mix of technologies, and no two days are the same.”

Alastair Newman, Chemistry Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2006

“After several years designing Formula One cars, I joined J A Kemp & Co looking for more variety and challenge. The first few years in the profession have definitely lived up to my expectations. My work comes from a wide range of technical fields and a variety of clients, the in-house training for exams is outstanding, and yet it’s never difficult to find someone to have a drink with at the end of the day. Somehow they always seem to persuade me to join yet another of the firm’s sports teams, which are great fun, even if the standard of play sometimes leaves something to be desired!”

Matt Hill, Electronics & Engineering Patent Attorney Trainee, joined 2005

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.

To apply for a position as a patent attorney, either as a trainee or at a more senior level, please send a letter with accompanying CV to Nigel Price at J A Kemp & Co, 14 South Square, Gray's Inn, London WC1R 5JJ, UK. To apply for a position as a trade mark attorney, please send a letter and CV to James Fish at the same address.