Route to qualification

We’re a top tier IP firm advising clients on how to protect cutting-edge technologies and the latest scientific discoveries.

At Carpmaels & Ransford we specialise in intellectual property, helping clients from a range of scientific and tech sectors protect their innovative discoveries and inventions.

A career as a patent attorney offers a unique way to use your scientific or technical knowledge within a legal context.

No prior legal knowledge or experience is required. We recruit graduates with a relevant STEM degree and provide full training in the legal and practical aspects of the role.

At Carpmaels & Ransford, you will join as a trainee patent attorney within one of our three core practice groups:

  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry
  • Engineering & Tech

Based in our London office, you will have the chance to work with a range of different partners, senior associates and colleagues from across the firm. Gaining hands-on experience and adding value from day one, you will be supported through to full qualification as a patent attorney.

Our Early Careers Brochure provides more information about life at Carpmaels & Ransford, and some helpful tips for the application process.

 

Why work for us?

Our exceptional training programme will give you the very best start to your career in IP. You’ll be involved in a diverse range of work from day one.

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Work life

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We enjoy working as a team both in the office and in many clubs and activities outside of work.

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The application process

Our annual trainee recruitment cycle takes place between July and December each year, with a start date of the following autumn.

Applications to our 2027 intake will open on 31 July 2026 and close on 2 November 2026.

When applying, please select the most relevant practice group based on your degree. Guidelines are provided in our commonly accepted degrees page.

Should you be uncertain, we’ll ensure your application is considered for the most suitable practice group.

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Frequently asked questions

You’ll find answers to common questions about applying to and working at Carpmaels & Ransford.

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.

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.

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.

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