Working life and social opportunities in the patent sector

Most of your time will be spent in the office. Some companies have large, open-plan offices but it is possible you may have your own office, especially if you are a patent attorney. You’re more likely to work as part of a team if you work for a corporate industry employer.

Many employers provide plenty of social opportunities with both colleagues and clients - the UK Intellectual Property Office, for example, offers a range of sports and social clubs and its own gym.

The student body of CIPA, the Informals, organises events and activities for trainees in London and, to a lesser extent, elsewhere. Nearly half of trainee patent attorney positions are in London, with the south and south-east accounting for another fifth. You will also mix with your peers at other firms if you attend external training events.