About Allens

Allens is a leading international law firm with a proud 200-year heritage of shaping the future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. From playing a pioneering role in the development of legislation and regulatory frameworks in the Asian region, to acting on numerous 'firsts' across a range of industry and community issues, it is in our DNA to make a difference and help shape what our world looks like. Our alliance with Linklaters connects our clients and teams with an international network of legal leaders that spans 41 offices in 26 countries.

We value personal growth and career progression equally. Through our in-depth career coaching, focus on innovation, and international secondment program, we aim to create future leaders in the legal industry.

Your role

You'll be a part of our outstanding Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys (PTA) Group and will work with attorneys and lawyers across all of our offices. Working closely with our Partners and the wider team, you will gain exposure to the most complex and interesting IP matters in the market. You'll have the privilege of advising clients from almost every sector, from healthcare and mining through to advanced tech and industrial manufacturers.

At Allens, our structure means that you'll get to work with a number of different Partners within your practice group and a broad spectrum of work. We encourage our attorneys and lawyers to find their niche and specialise in areas they're interested in, while building a strong foundation across their field of technical expertise.

Our PTA Group is an integral part of Allens leading IP practice and provides the full range of intellectual property services, specialising in registered IP rights. Our team includes specialist Patent Attorneys, Trade Mark Attorneys and Commercial and Litigation IP lawyers, supported by a team of Administrators, Searchers and PTA Support Specialists. As a Patent Attorney, you will collaborate with renowned leaders in IP and have access to the firm's extensive client base to explore and develop new opportunities and deliver outstanding service to clients.

Our PTA practice is fully embedded within the broader law firm which provides unique and unparalleled opportunities to expand your horizons and collaborate with your colleagues.

As a Patent Attorney in our PTA Group you will:

• Provide the full scope of patent-related services to local innovators and international clients operating in competitive commercial environments, including:

  • Drafting and prosecuting applications in Australia and around the world

  • IP portfolio management

  • High stakes patent oppositions and patent litigation

  • Freedom to operate searches and advice

  • Validity and infringement opinions

  • Devising and implementing IP strategies in a global context

• Assist Allens' IP practice in the delivery of a broad range of legal and commercial services, particularly in patent litigation matters where specialist patent attorney input is critical.

• Assist in the continued growth of the IP practice through our clearly defined and targeted Business Development initiatives.

This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. Hybrid working (60% in the office) is how we work. However flexibility matters at Allens, so if you are seeking hybrid working or are looking for flexibility in your work, we would be happy to discuss what arrangements would work best for you.

About you

You will have:

• Experience practising as a Patent Attorney within a reputable patent attorney firm or law firm, or an in‑house role.

• A PhD in organic chemistry.

• Post-graduate qualifications and research or industry experience in your chosen field.

• Experience in drafting and prosecuting patents in the chemical and pharmaceutical field.

• Experience in patent oppositions is advantageous but not essential.

• An ability to effectively manage larger matters.

• A willingness to participate in business development activities, such as pitch documents, firm-wide pursuits, article writing, attending industry events and hosting seminars.

• A willingness to build an understanding of clients and develop collaborative working relationships.

• A desire to learn, grow, network, mentor others.

Your development

In joining Allens, you will receive unparalleled learning and development opportunities. You will be challenged, supported and guided as you learn and develop, and will be encouraged to grow. We foster greatness in our people, and will coach and support you to meet your goals and aspirations.

Our unique Career Deal allows you to take control of your career and provides a transparent approach to career development. Our international alliance with Linklaters means we are able to support secondments all over the world.

Our perks

Working at Allens comes with benefits, including:

• Financial: market competitive fixed remuneration, generous incentive plan that recognises both billable and broader contribution, salary continuance insurance, employee recruitment referral program, discounts at hundreds of suppliers including retail outlets, health and travel insurance, charity matched funding program.

• Health and wellbeing: fully subsidised gym memberships, annual flu vaccinations, skin checks, in-house snacks and catered meals, subsidised sporting and social activities, Employee Assistance Program including confidential counselling, wellbeing coaching and financial coaching for employees and their families and regular wellbeing sessions with our in-house consulting Psychologist.

• Flexibility: hybrid and flexible working arrangements to support you in your work and life commitments and passions, equipment to support working from home.

• Leave: ability to purchase additional annual leave, access to an enhanced, inclusive and flexible parental leave policy – 26 weeks paid parental leave with no minimum service for permanent employees and high quality executive coaching to support the transition.

• International opportunities: our alliance with Linklaters ensures possible secondments to many of their overseas offices.

• Recognition: team based recognition including social activities and contribution based recognition activities, and annual Allens Values Awards to nominate and recognise the incredible contributions of our people.

Allens is also proud to invest in our communities, giving you the opportunity to make a difference through our work on reconciliation, the environment and other social justice issues as well as our workplace giving and volunteering programs.

How to apply?

We'd love to hear from you so please click "apply now"! If you would like to find out more, please visit "This is Allens" or listen to our Allens Confidential podcast to hear real stories from real people about life at Allens. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please phone Thomas Wigglesworth, Talent Acquisition National Manager, on +61 449 539 834.  

At Allens, our culture is made up of unique backgrounds and varying life experiences. We celebrate our people's differences across gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, cultural backgrounds, First Nations communities, and family and caring arrangements. If you require adjustments to fully participate in our application process, please contact us at [email protected]. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align, please express your interest by emailing us at [email protected]. The right role for you might be just around the corner!