Part or Newly Qualified Patent Attorney | Chemistry

We are looking for a talented Part-Qualified or Newly Qualified Patent Attorney to join our highly regarded Chemistry team.

This is an opportunity to build your career working alongside industry-recognised partners and experienced attorneys on complex, commercially significant chemistry matters for an impressive and diverse international client base.

You will work across a broad spectrum of chemical innovation, which may include polymers and composite materials, ionic liquids, sustainable and green technologies, food chemistry, battery technology and energy storage.

The role offers much more than routine prosecution. Depending on your experience, you will have opportunities to draft strategically important patent applications, advise on international patent portfolios, contribute to EPO oppositions and appeals, and gain exposure to contentious matters, including High Court proceedings.

You will be encouraged to develop direct client relationships and take increasing ownership of matters as your experience grows, supported by partners and colleagues who are recognised experts in their fields.

What You’ll Do

Working as part of our Chemistry team, you will:

  • Draft high-quality UK, European and international patent applications covering a diverse range of chemical technologies.
  • Develop and manage commercially focused prosecution strategies for UK, European and international patent portfolios.
  • Advise clients on patentability, infringement, validity, freedom to operate and broader IP strategy, with appropriate support and supervision.
  • Contribute to EPO opposition and appeal proceedings and gain exposure to contentious patent matters.
  • Work directly with inventors, scientists and in-house IP teams to understand complex technologies and identify commercially important intellectual property.
  • Build trusted client relationships by providing clear, pragmatic and strategically focused advice.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the firm and contribute to business development through activities such as articles, seminars, conferences and client presentations.

What You’ll Bring

You will have a strong scientific background and a genuine enthusiasm for chemistry, innovation and the commercial application of intellectual property.

You will enjoy getting to grips with complex scientific concepts and be able to translate them into clear and effective patent strategies. Just as importantly, you will be curious about our clients’ businesses and interested in understanding not only what they are inventing, but why it matters commercially.

Essential

  • Part-Qualified or Newly Qualified UK and/or European Patent Attorney.
  • A strong academic background in Chemistry or a closely related chemical science discipline.
  • Experience of patent drafting and prosecution appropriate to your level of qualification.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific and legal concepts clearly.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • A proactive approach and commitment to delivering an exceptional service to clients.

Your Development

We want you to build your own career and expertise, not simply service a caseload.

You will work closely with experienced partners and attorneys who will support your continued technical and professional development while giving you the autonomy to take on greater responsibility as you progress.

Depending on your experience and ambitions, this could include taking greater ownership of client portfolios, developing direct client relationships, gaining further opposition and advocacy experience, becoming involved in complex contentious matters, contributing to business development and developing your own areas of technical and commercial specialism.

For Part-Qualified attorneys, you will also receive the support and training needed to continue progressing towards qualification.

Why Mathys & Squire?

Joining Mathys & Squire means becoming part of a firm where scientific expertise, legal excellence and commercial thinking come together.

You will have the opportunity to work with innovative businesses and technologies, from ambitious high-growth companies to established international organisations, while learning from colleagues who are leaders in their respective fields.

We offer a competitive salary, hybrid working and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside ongoing professional training and clear opportunities to develop your career.

We value collaboration and individuality and want our attorneys to have the opportunity to develop their own expertise, relationships and professional profile as their careers progress.

About Mathys & Squire

Mathys & Squire is an IP powerhouse, putting our specialist knowledge to work to strengthen and secure what modern businesses regard as one of their most valuable strategic assets.

Our agile team of attorneys, is steeped in experience, working with IP-rich and high-growth industries leveraging complex technologies and sophisticated commercial models.

We are a full-service IP firm with extensive expertise in patents, trade marks, design protection and litigation. Highly ranked in leading legal and IP directories, including The Legal 500, Chambers and Partners, IAM Patent 1000 and World Trademark Review 1000, Mathys & Squire is one of Europe’s most highly regarded intellectual property law firms.

We consider our people to be our most valuable asset and attribute our success to the quality, expertise and commitment of our team. Our firm values reflect our commitment to quality, excellence and fairness while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

We are proud of a culture that celebrates openness and diversity of people, opinion and expertise, and we are looking for colleagues who share and embody these values.

Contact Lorraine Doherty

  • Head of HR

    If you have any questions, our HR team is always available to answer any questions you may have.

Meet Your Future Team

“I feel very grateful to have started my training here to become a patent attorney. I’ve found the culture to be very friendly, conscientious, and driven, with approachable and helpful partners, support staff, and HR. There is a camaraderie between the trainees that I’ve very much enjoyed. Overall, I would highly recommend Mathys and Squire to anyone considering a career in IP.”

Lynsey Steel

Technical Assistant

“I am constantly intrigued and excited by the challenges we face daily. As attorneys, we are tasked with representing our clients to help them achieve their goals. This means that we must be creative, diligent and precise. Mathys’ cooperative way of working means we are well positioned to serve our clients and provide them with the expertise they need.”

James Wilding

Partner