HGF Futures

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Are you a graduate with a degree in Life Sciences? 

Are you passionate about the intersection of science and law?

Do you aspire to become a Life Science Patent Attorney?

If so, we invite you to explore your potential career with HGF at our upcoming HGF Futures open day in London on the 23rd September!

#TheRightPlaceForYou

THE EVENT

Why attend?

HGF Futures London will offer a comprehensive overview of the patent profession and the unique role of a Life Science Patent Attorney.

Here’s some of what you can expect to discover:

  • About us: Get to know HGF and our commitment to innovation and excellence.
  • What an invention is: Explore what a patent is.
  • What a Patent Attorney does: Gain insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and the exciting challenges that come with the role.
  • Introduction to the qualification process: Understand the exams involved in becoming a qualified patent attorney.
  • Real-life experience: Get a glimpse into the daily life of a Life Science Patent Attorney through practical examples.
  • Meet our trainees and Patent Attorneys: Connect with our trainees and experienced professionals.

Selection Criteria

We welcome applicants from all universities who are on track to achieve a 2:1 pass or above or are set to graduate or have completed a PhD by Autumn 2025 in a Life Sciences discipline. Your passion for the field, as demonstrated through your CV and academic results, is what matters most to us.

This is your chance to take the first step towards a rewarding career as a Patent Attorney.

Apply to attend HGF Futures London

This event is perfect for you if…

  • You have good attention to detail.
  • You enjoy figuring out how things work.
  • You are an efficient organiser and good at prioritising.
  • You enjoy writing about science.

Limited spaces available.

Apply to secure your spot at this exclusive event by using the application form.

  • Note that you’ll need to be a recent Life Sciences graduate or will be graduating in 2025.
  • You’ll also need to provide your most recent CV.
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE NOW CLOSED.

 

At HGF we value people and we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for motivated, talented people to develop and progress in their careers. Here we showcase an excellent example of this as Kate Taylor, Patent Attorney and Head of Life Sciences discusses her journey:

University & Degree
University of Newcastle BSc Genetics and MSc Industrial Biotechnology

What made you decide to become a Patent Attorney?
I loved science but hated lab work.  Being a Patent Attorney provided an opportunity for me to enjoy the science but without having to get my hands dirty in a lab!

What key skills do you think are essential for a Patent Attorney?
Attention to detail (you will at some point in your career spend several hours contemplating the impact of a comma); excellent communication skills (you will need to explain unfamiliar scientific concepts clearly and concisely); and resilience (the exams are tough).

How did you start your career at HGF? 
I applied for trainee positions when I was an undergraduate.  I didn’t get any interviews, but several responses saying that they would keep my details on file, which I thought was just a polite way of saying no.  I was focused on IP as a career so did a Masters where my research project involved IP, with a view to improving my CV.  Towards the end of my Masters HGF called me to tell me I had an interview.  That was in 2000 and I have been at HGF ever since.

How have you progressed? 
I started as a trainee in our Sheffield office in 2000 and once I qualified in 2006 I decided to move to our York office as I liked York as a city.  That was in 2006.  I am now a senior equity partner and head of HGFs life sciences team. I became a partner in 2009 and head of the life sciences team in 2014.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to enter into the profession?
Focus on your goals, take every opportunity to improve your CV and don’t take no for an answer.

AGENDA

Agenda for the Day

Download the full agenda for the open day:

DOWNLOAD AGENDA PDF