FAQs

You should be working towards, or have obtained, an excellent first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) complemented by strong A Levels (typically 3 at grade A or equivalent) and a passion for science and technology. With an excellent command of both written and spoken English and a meticulous eye for detail, you should enjoy analysing and conceptualising complex matters, with a passion and aptitude for problem solving.

We are proud to be using Rare Recruitment’s Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) which allows us to consider your achievements in the context in which they were gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.

There are specific degree requirements in order to enter the profession. Applicants must hold a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) of which at least 80% of the course hours must be devoted to scientific and/or technical subjects. Please refer to our guidance on commonly accepted degrees.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please refer to our Key dates page for further information about timings.

Our annual trainee recruitment cycle takes place between July and December each year, with a start date of the following autumn. Our application process is comprised of the following stages:

• Submission of a brief online application form and CV.
• Completion of a short pre-recorded video interview, including motivational, strengths-based and technical questions.
• First stage interview, where you will typically meet with a partner and senior associate from the relevant practice area. You’ll also have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with some of our current trainees. There will be some pre-interview exercises, and you will be asked to provide a sample of your technical written work. Depending on the practice area you have applied to, there may also be some practical exercises to complete on the day of your interview.
• Final interview, where you will meet all partners from the relevant practice group.

We are proud to be using Rare Recruitment’s Contextual Recruitment System (CRS) which allows us to consider your achievements in the context in which they were gained. We understand that not every candidate’s achievements look the same on paper – and we want to recruit the best people, from every background.

If you do not meet our minimum academic criteria, we will give consideration to contextual information as well as any mitigating circumstances which have severely impacted your studies.

Unfortunately, no. Please select the practice group which is most relevant to your degree. Helpful guidance can be found in our commonly accepted degree section of the website. If you are uncertain, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

We possess a Tier 2 sponsor license and will treat relevant applications on an individual basis.

Alongside our website, we regularly update our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts with information regarding our newest positions, open days and internships. For regular updates about our careers opportunities, please follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter:

 @carpmaels 

 Carpmaels & Ransford

• In-house, comprehensive trainee tutorial programme (over the first six months of employment) to give our trainees a thorough grounding in the key essentials;
• Queen Mary University: Certificate in Intellectual Property Law;
• In-house, comprehensive intermediate tutorial programme;
• Pre-European Qualifying Examinations (includes in-house study group for examination preparation);
• UK Finals (external training and in-house study group for examination preparation);
• European Qualifying Examinations Finals (in-house study group for examination preparation);
• Advocacy training (after qualification).

• IP Careers
• CIPA
• EPO

If you have any further queries, or want to find out more about our firm and working with us, please see our contact details below:

W: carpmaels.com

T: +44 20 7242 8692

E: recruitment@carpmaels.com