Patent Attorney CV example

Patent attorneys sit at the intersection of science and law – and so should your CV. You need to demonstrate your academic background, your legal expertise, and your ability to understand complex concepts.

This guide will take you step-by-step through writing a CV which stands out in a competitive legal field. Whether you’re moving into private practice or aiming for a role in-house, you’ll learn how to frame your skills and experience the right way.

Clarity is everything in patent law – and your CV is no different. A clear and deliberate structure helps employers quickly understand your qualifications and specialisms. The aim is to make reading about your expertise as effortless as possible, which any busy recruiter will appreciate.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Keep these personal details at the top so a potential employer can reach out to you: a photo is totally optional.
• Profile – Immediately draw in the recruiter with a brief summary of your skills and experience.
• Core skills – Briefly highlight those qualities which make you the best candidate.
• Work experience – List your previous roles in reverse chronological order, with your most recent first.
• Education – Go through the academic history which underpins your expertise.
• Additional info – This optional section can include professional memberships, awards, or hobbies that showcase your suitability for the role.
  

Stick to a simple, professional font and break up large bodies of text using bullet points. Make sure each section is clearly labelled with bold headers, and leave enough white space between them to aid readability. Keep the document to a maximum length of two pages – and align your formatting consistently throughout. A cluttered format won’t reflect the rigour of your legal thinking – so keep it sharp and succinct, making sure to follow the above tips.

The CV profile isn’t just about listing your qualifications – it’s your moment to show the impact you’d have in any firm that hires you. This short, strategic paragraph should clearly convey the value you bring: whether it’s helping clients secure strong IP protection, navigating complex legal frameworks, or adding technical expertise to a firm’s portfolio.

Your profile should show not just where you’ve worked or what you’ve studied – but why you’d be a genuine asset. It’s your chance to reassure a recruiter that you’re someone who can deliver legal precision and commercial benefit from day one.

To build a compelling profile, include:

• Where you worked – Private practice, in-house legal teams, IP law firms, or international consultancies
• Your top qualifications – Dual-qualified status, European Patent Attorney, UK Chartered Patent Attorney
• Essential skills – Drafting, prosecution, oppositions, freedom-to-operate advice, PCT filings
• Technical background – Degree in physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, software, etc.
• Client sectors – Medical devices, automotive, fintech, clean tech, biotech, consumer electronics

This section isn’t the place for vague buzzwords – recruiters reviewing patent attorney CVs are scanning for specific, hard skills that align with their legal and technical requirements.

Make this paragraph a snapshot of your practical strengths. Include areas of law you’re experienced in and any tools or systems you’re proficient in. The more your CV skills reflect the language of the job description, the more likely your CV is to make it past the first round.

Highlight the skills you’ve actually used: this section is all about showing you have the hands-on capability to step into the role and make an immediate difference.

Your work history needs to prove that you’ve handled real patents, delivered strategic advice, and made a meaningful impact in the businesses you’ve worked for. Employers want to see what industries you’ve supported and the scale of your work.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each one, start with a short summary of the organisation and your position. Then break down your responsibilities and achievements using bullet points. Be specific about the types of patents you worked on and results you helped secure.

Earlier roles, such as IP paralegal or trainee attorney, should also be included to show your progression.

• Outline – Introduce the firm or company, your area of focus, and what kind of clients or industries you supported.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “prosecuted” and “advised.” For example: “prosecuted European and UK patent applications in the fields of software and consumer tech” or “advised start-ups on IP strategy and freedom-to-operate clearance.” Mention specific jurisdictions, technologies, or legal processes.
• Achievements – Highlight any measurable or standout achievements: successful oppositions, portfolio expansions, inventor relationships, or notable commercial value delivered. Include metrics or names (where not confidential).

This section should cover both your legal and technical education – and reflect the dual nature of the job. Patent attorneys need to show both scientific credentials and legal expertise.

Start with your most recent qualifications and work backwards. Mention any STEM degrees, followed by legal training such as the Postgraduate Certificate in IP Law, EQE, or CIPA-accredited courses. If you’re part-qualified, mention your progress and passed exams. Also include any language skills or training that may be relevant to international work.