Careers at Potter Clarkson

In a world built on ideas, people make the difference.

Every breakthrough starts as an idea. At Potter Clarkson, you will help turn those ideas into protected, valuable assets that make a real difference in the world, from treatments that change patients’ lives and advances in space exploration to sustainable energy solutions and the brands people rely on every day.

Whether you advise clients directly or support the teams who do, you will be close to the technologies and brands shaping tomorrow’s products, services and industries. You will learn from colleagues who are genuine specialists in their fields, many with deep scientific or industry backgrounds. And you will grow in an environment that is ambitious about the work and supportive of the people doing it.

As one of Europe’s leading IP law firms, with offices across the UK, Denmark and Sweden, we have spent more than a century focused on one thing: to maximise the value of ideas. That focus is a thread that runs through everything we do, from how we support our clients to our continued evolution as a firm.

Whatever area of intellectual property law you want to practise, and whichever industry sector you are passionate about, Potter Clarkson is a place where you can build a rewarding career. The firm is also home to a strong and growing team of business services professionals, from finance and HR to marketing and IT, who work alongside our legal teams at the heart of the IP landscape.

Working at Potter Clarkson

You will join a team trusted by innovative and ambitious clients, from fast-growing start-ups to global brands, across sectors as varied as pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and drink, consumer goods and cleantech.
The breadth and calibre of our work is reflected in our reputation across the IP market. We are regularly ranked among Europe’s leading IP firms in independent legal directories and industry rankings, and described as "incredibly attentive, hardworking and straight-talking", "highly professional" and recognised for our out-of-the-box thinking. That reputation reflects the standards we set for ourselves and the outcomes we deliver together.
Our values guide how we show up for clients and for each other:
Collaboration across disciplines, teams and borders to advance innovation.
Ambition that turns ideas into measurable results for our clients and for our people.
Respect that earns trust, encourages honesty and builds strong teams.
Excellence as the standard for everything we deliver.
Our culture is built on these values and on the belief that our people are our strength. Day to day, you'll find a friendly, down-to-earth workplace where people are approachable, support is easy to find and everyone’s contribution is recognised.
Where you choose to work shapes what you learn, the impact you have and the opportunities ahead. Across all roles, we take professional growth seriously, combining formal training with on-the-job learning so you can build your skills, confidence and experience over time. With our track record of handling complex patent and trade mark work across Europe, you will have the chance to get involved in interesting matters and learn from experienced colleagues who want you to succeed. We also have a strong record of supporting our trainees through their professional examinations.
Whether you join us as an attorney or in a business services role, you will find clear paths to grow and progress. From structured learning and professional qualifications to mentoring, secondments and internal opportunities, we will help you shape a career tailored to your goals.
Creating an inclusive workplace isn’t only the right thing to do; it leads to better ideas and better outcomes for our people and our clients. We are focused on improving diversity across the firm and maintaining a culture where everyone can be themselves, whoever they are.
We are working on this in both the short and long term: refining our policies, embedding best practice and making sure our training keeps pace with new developments. Belonging here means being respected for who you are and what you bring, and having a fair opportunity to grow.
Read more about equality, diversity and inclusion at Potter Clarkson.
Flexibility is an important part of a rewarding work environment. We aim to create a workplace that supports collaboration, learning and development, and encourages everyone to do their best work, in and out of the office. Most roles offer hybrid working arrangements, with flexibility to spend part of the week working from home, agreed in line with the needs of your role and your team.
Our wider benefits and wellbeing initiatives also support you in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The work is varied across our teams and offices, but our commitment to creating a genuinely great place to work remains constant.
Looking after our people includes taking their wellbeing seriously. Alongside flexible and remote working options, you’ll have access to:
A Wellbeing Working Group that helps shape our approach.
Mental health ambassadors and an information hub promoting open, empathetic conversations.
Subsidised gym memberships, and a wellbeing benefit in our offices in Denmark and Sweden
We recognise our responsibility for health and wellbeing, and we’re always looking at how we can improve the support we offer.
For us, corporate social responsibility means doing the right thing for our people, our communities and the world around us.
That includes creating pathways into the IP profession for young people from all backgrounds, mentoring the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs, championing innovation across Europe, upholding high ethical standards and reducing our environmental impact.
You'll have opportunities to get involved in these initiatives and will be encouraged and supported to do so in the ways that matter most to you.