11/11/2024
Each year, we recruit a number of Trainee Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys to join our successful firm. Trainees join us as Technical Assistants and are allocated to our EES (Electrical, Electronics and Software), EMCP (Engineering, Materials and Consumer Products), LS (Life Sciences) and TM (Trade Mark) practice groups. To help our staff reach their full potential, we provide a comprehensive and structured training programme that is recognised as being one of the best in the profession. We invest time and resources in developing our talent, providing support from day one. Every new trainee will work closely with the partners of the firm, who will be responsible overall for training and development as the new joiners develop their role in the teams looking after our clients.
As a complement to this traditional learn by working training, we have developed a bespoke training programme for our new trainees, which is intended to bring them up to speed with some of the core concepts of intellectual property law, and to provide a degree of communal practical tuition. The training programme begins with a two-week intensive training induction (“Bootcamp”), introducing the basics of trade mark law, patent law and other intellectual property rights including design protection. The training induction also includes sessions dealing with important practical aspects of the job including, but not limited to “how to communicate with clients”, “effective marketing”, and “the role of a trainee”. The training programme then continues with weekly sessions devoted to practical training. Our trainees work through different tasks of increasing complexity each week, and their work is then assessed by a partner or qualified attorney. Both communal and individual feedback is provided as part of a group discussion. These practical training sessions ensure that all our new trainees are exposed to the same core practical examples, providing them with the tools to develop their skills together.
After this, new trainees will be supported through a 13-week part-time course leading to the Certificate in Intellectual Property Law (currently provided by Queen Mary, University of London). The Chartered Trade Mark Attorney qualification is through the part-time course at Nottingham, also known as the Trade Mark Practice, Professional Certificate. We want our trainees to have access to the best support they can get, so to support them through the formal qualification process, we offer on-the-job training, personalised in-house tutorials and access to external training courses. They are also encouraged to take advantage of courses and lectures provided by the Chartered Institute of Patent/Trade Mark Attorneys.
This year’s Bootcamp was a great success. A big thank you to all those involved in helping create a seamless and enjoyable programme of events.
Meet our 2024 graduate trainees and hear their reflections on the R&G “boot camp” and training
I have found the past weeks both interesting and rewarding. Bootcamp provided a strong introduction to IP law fundamentals and I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with my cohort and the wider firm. Monday training sessions offer valuable practical tasks that mirror real-life situations, and have boosted my confidence when taking on live casework. So far, I have particularly enjoyed the variety of work I have received, which has allowed me to delve into various interesting technologies, and gain exposure to multiple roles within the profession, including drafting and opposition work. The learning curve is challenging but very fulfilling.
I have tremendously enjoyed my first few months at R&G, during which I have undergone a steep learning curve to get to grips with the basics of IP. The two-week boot camp provided at R&G not only enabled me to develop a strong foundational knowledge of patents, trade marks, and copyright, but also taught me the various approaches in which we, as IP professionals, should interact with clients.
One of the most challenging parts of the job so far for me has been the transition from designing and prototyping engineering solutions to detailed legal-styled writing about those solutions. However, the Monday training days provided at R&G have played a pivotal role in my initial transition, with each session exposing me to new areas of technical writing and patent law that I carry over to the work I regularly do now.
The friendly atmosphere created at R&G make all of the challenges presented significantly easier. In my opinion, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job, working in an environment with friendly and approachable colleagues that are always happy to help with any challenging questions I might have. I now look forward to what comes next!
My time at R&G kicked off with a two-week boot camp delivered by those in the firm. As well as being an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of patent and trade mark law it’s also an excellent chance to meet and get to know your fellow trainees.
After the boot camp, you’re immediately immersed in real-world work. From the outset, I’ve been handling live cases, working with real clients, and meeting deadlines set by the patent office. It’s been exciting to dive into new technologies and engage with active cases right away.
In addition to hands-on learning, the firm organises once a week training sessions. These involve reviewing past cases and focus on specific areas of patent law. Not only do they deepen our understanding of the relevant law, but they also bring all the trainees together, ensuring we’re all exposed to particular case scenarios. It’s also a great chance to catch up with your fellow trainees, especially those in other offices to you.
The training approach is a good balance between independent working and support. I’m encouraged to think critically and attempt challenges on my own, but there’s always guidance available to ensure we’re approaching cases in the right way. In just these first two months, I’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and I’m looking forward to more.
Training at Reddie & Grose begins with a boot camp of structured learning delivered by a series of ever-patient professionals. These two weeks took me from square one, to a foundational understanding of Trade marks, Designs, and Patents. A highlight for me was the final day of boot camp where I worked collaboratively with the other new trainees to tackle a ‘realistic’ problem, that wasn’t short of a sense of humour!
My journey of gaining experience in Intellectual Property hasn’t finished with boot camp and certainly won’t be ending anytime soon! To facilitate this ongoing learning, we have training sessions every Monday which give us highly relevant experience as we attempt to respond to real cases with feedback from an experienced Attorney.
The biggest challenge I’ve had as a trainee so far has been deciphering the sometimes-convoluted strategies that are taken in order to get a patent granted. However, this has also shown the friendliness of the firm as everyone is more than happy to talk me through any misunderstanding.
Training at Reddie & Grose has been everything I expected in starting a new profession. We began with a two-week boot camp, which introduced us to various aspects of intellectual property law and beyond, through engaging talks and activities. This experience provided a strong foundation for understanding the profession, as well as insights into business development.
From day one, we transitioned directly into hands-on work, where I have been learning about patent prosecution, innovative technology, and client care through real cases, guided by incredibly experienced professionals. I had the opportunity to engage in all aspects of work, from responding to examiners and corresponding with clients, to helping clients achieve their goals. The high standard and quality of work demonstrated by attorneys and partners from the firm set clear, inspiring goals to strive toward—lessons you simply cannot learn from textbooks or online searches.
Our training is also well-supported by senior trainees and associates at the firm, who are preparing for their own upcoming examinations. I feel we are in excellent hands, even when facing particularly challenging exams, as there’s always someone available to answer questions and offer guidance.
One of the most valuable things I have gained in training is getting to know other trainees in my cohort. It is essential to have peers for mutual support, ensuring we’re all doing well. These friendships and support networks make the journey of becoming a patent attorney even more exciting and enjoyable.
Our trainee recruitment cycle takes place from September – December each year, with a start date of the following September.
Following the initial screening process, successful applicants will be invited to a Teams interview with one partner and a member of the HR team. Shortlisted candidates will thereafter be invited for a face-to-face interview with further partners, and they will have the opportunity to meet with current trainees over a coffee.
Reasonable adjustments – when inviting candidates for their interview, we ask if they require reasonable adjustments and act accordingly.
Applications for our 2026 intake will open in September 2025. To find out more about becoming a trainee at Reddie & Grose, please visit our graduate page.
