Trainee Attorneys
At Davies Collison Cave, we recognise the technical and legal expertise of our professionals. It’s this expertise which provides the foundation for unparalleled service to our clients. As a trainee attorney you will work alongside like-minded and motivated professionals, including some of Australia’s leading patent attorneys.
There are a number of benefits that have been tailored specifically for our trainee attorneys:
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Individual partner access and tuition during professional studies
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Payment of course fees
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Post qualification professional membership subscriptions
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Time allowances to attend classes and study for assessment and exams
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Organised study groups
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Career progression and recognition
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Access to attend industry professional events.
What Do We Look For?
We believe good attorneys combine their scientific, legal and commercial experience to deliver the best possible outcome for their clients.
We look for people with a strong scientific background and willingness to develop their legal and commercial skills. After joining DCC you will receive on-the-job development while working under the guidance of a supervising partner. You will also work with other partners and attorneys across the specialist groups.
To be a successful attorney at DCC you will:
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Have completed an undergraduate degree in an area such as engineering, biotechnology or chemistry from an authorised higher education institute
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Have preferably attained a post-graduate qualification in a related field
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Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
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Think analytically and laterally
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Successfully complete an accredited patent and trade mark course of study which is fully funded by the firm
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Attain registration as a patent (and trade mark) attorney regulated by the Professional Standards Board (subject to Australian residency).
In the first year, we remunerate trainees according to the qualifications and experience they bring to the firm. We recognise ability and talent and encourage people to strive for excellence and to drive their career progression at Davies Collison Cave.
We promote and celebrate professional success within the firm.
What Do You Do?
What Does A Patent Attorney Do At DCC?
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Manage client patent portfolios, monitor patent application examination and enforcement and communicate with intellectual property firms around the world.
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Patent application drafting and prosecution for local and overseas clients, oppositions, search reporting and the preparation of infringement and validity advice.
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Provide specialist advice on research and commercialisation strategies.
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Liaise with our IP lawyers to provide technical legal advice to our clients.
Read about Mathew Lucas’ path from the chemistry labs of academia to becoming a patent attorney and partner below.
What Does A Trade Mark Attorney Do At DCC?
Our national Trade Mark team advises on all aspects of trade marks including search analysis and advice, prosecution of domestic and overseas applications, opposition proceedings and enforcement of trade mark rights.
Our trade mark attorneys practice in both Australia and New Zealand and have access to an established network of international associates. This enables us to offer expert advice and services worldwide. At Davies Collison Cave we work responsively and in close collaboration with our clients to ensure they receive high quality, commercially realistic advice and outcomes.
Read about Elizabeth Godfrey’s path from lawyer to TM attorney and Senior Associate below.