Overview

Secerna LLP is a commercially focussed boutique firm of Chartered Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys and European Patent Attorneys headquartered in York with a second office in Newcastle upon Tyne. The firm specialises in patent drafting, prosecution, post‑grant proceedings, trade marks, designs, IP strategy, portfolio management and litigation support across technology-rich sectors including Electronics & ICT, Advanced Engineering, Life Sciences and Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals. Secerna positions itself as a technically deep, client‑focused practice working for multinational corporations, FTSE/NYSE companies, universities, spin‑outs and SMEs, offering a free 1‑hour consultation and global prosecution via a network of overseas agents.

Headquarters: York, The Old Fire Station
Founded: 2011
Offices: 2

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

Intellectual Property
Technology & Digital
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Construction & Engineering
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
Commercial Contracts
Energy & Natural Resources

Geographic Focus: Strong regional UK presence based in the north of England (York and Newcastle upon Tyne) with global prosecution and enforcement capability achieved through a network of overseas attorneys and agents. The firm acts for multinational and listed clients worldwide and positions itself to secure protection in the UK, Europe and internationally.

Training Contract

Secerna recruits Trainee Patent Attorneys (role examples advertised for Physics/ICT/Electronics and Life Sciences) and describes a technical, mentorship‑led development path. Trainees are given early client contact and exposure to original drafting, prosecution, contentious proceedings and advisory matters. The firm notes that trainees typically complete professional examinations in a three to five year period and that training includes close supervision by Partners and Senior Attorneys, supported study leave, and opportunities to work across the firm’s sector teams.

Academic Requirements: First or upper second‑class honours degree (or postgraduate) in Electronic or Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science; candidates with STEM Masters/PhDs are also highlighted across trainee and part‑qualified roles.

Seat Options

Patent filing & prosecution
Post-grant proceedings
IP strategy & portfolio management
IP due diligence & litigation support
Designs
Trade marks

Mentorship

Trainees work closely with experienced Partners and Senior Attorneys and receive mentorship and guidance across day‑to‑day work and professional exam preparation. The firm emphasises learning from partners and senior associates with direct client exposure from early in training.

Apply on the Secerna LLP website →

Programmes & Schemes

Taster Day

Annual Taster Day for STEM undergraduates, Masters and PhD students providing a one‑day deep dive into life as a patent attorney. The programme includes partner and trainee presentations, group tasks that mirror real work, mock/exam style questions, Q&A sessions, and networking with attorneys at different career stages. It is designed to demonstrate how technical backgrounds translate into IP careers and to feed the trainee recruitment pipeline.

Duration: 1 day (annual)
Deadline: 2026-05-08

Apply →

Internship

Summer internship opportunities (examples include a marketing/business development intern) providing hands‑on experience within the business development and marketing team and exposure to firm activities. Interns have been profiled by the firm and the internship is part of the firm’s early‑career engagement efforts.

Notable Matters

Worldwide patent portfolio for capacitive touch screen manufacturers

Secerna describes significant experience assisting world‑leading businesses manufacturing capacitive touch screens and interactive displays to obtain extensive worldwide patent portfolios, advising on filing strategy and prosecution to build global protection.

Intellectual Property

IP portfolio development for a Newcastle University bioscience spin‑out

Secerna assisted a Newcastle University bioscience spin‑out to develop a robust IP portfolio, supporting commercialisation through patent drafting, filing and portfolio strategy tailored to the spin‑out’s technology and funding objectives.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

Oppositions and post‑grant proceedings at the EPO

The firm handles oppositions, appeals and revocation/defence work before the European Patent Office and other national patent offices, preparing oppositions, expert evidence and strategic filings to challenge or defend granted patents.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation

What Secerna LLP Looks For

Key Competencies

Strong STEM academic background (Physics, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related)
Technical curiosity and ability to understand complex inventions
Attention to detail
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Commercial awareness
Proactivity and enthusiasm for learning

Evidence Signals

First or upper second‑class honours degree (or higher) in a relevant STEM subject
Postgraduate or PhD research experience for certain roles
Attendance at Secerna Taster Day or relevant internships
Experience drafting or prosecuting patent applications (for part‑qualified applicants)
Demonstrable interest or experience in the firm’s sector specialisms (AI/ML, quantum, bioinformatics, semiconductors, medical devices)

Benefits & Wellbeing

Competitive salary
Pension scheme contribution
Healthcare scheme
Hybrid/flexible working options
Annual pay review
26 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) — trainee advert
Additional study leave days (trainees)
Full support and training for those seeking to qualify
Early client contact and responsibility

Wellbeing

The firm promotes a supportive working environment and respect for work‑life balance. Specific wellbeing programmes or employee assistance schemes are not described on the available pages.

Awards & Recognition

Listed in IAM Patent 1000 on five consecutive occasions; 2025 marked the fifth consecutive listing (including Silver awards for Jason Boakes and Charlotte Watkins)
Featured in an independent Financial Times ranking (2019)
Internship Employer of the Year Award (2023)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Secerna LLP is an equal opportunities employer.

Secerna Taster Days (targeted outreach to STEM undergraduates, Masters and PhD students)
University outreach and careers talks (examples: Durham University engagements and SME Careers Fair participation)
Internship programme

Innovation

Secerna emphasises technical innovation across its sector teams (software/AI, quantum, bioinformatics, medical electronics and advanced materials). The firm produces webinars and podcasts and participates in industry events to share knowledge. Trainees and taster day attendees engage with practical, technology‑focused tasks that reflect the firm’s emphasis on cutting‑edge technical subject matter.

Webinar and Podcast Recordings
Events calendar and industry conference attendance
Technical sector focus areas (AI/ML, quantum technologies, bioinformatics) integrated into practice

Quick Application Angles

Attend Secerna’s annual Taster Day (or reference attendance) — the firm highlights taster‑day alumni who then joined as trainees, so cite the event to demonstrate genuine interest.
Tailor your application to a technical sector the firm highlights (Electronics & ICT, Advanced Engineering, Life Sciences, Chemistry & Pharmaceuticals) and reference a specific technology (e.g. quantum, AI/ML, capacitive touch screens or CRISPR) to show fit.
Emphasise direct technical depth (first/upper second in a STEM subject, Masters/PhD where applicable) and give concise examples of hands‑on technical work or research to match the firm’s focus on advanced technical expertise.
Highlight commercial awareness and examples of working to commercial objectives (e.g. project work, consultancy, technology commercialisation or patent‑relevant experience) — Secerna stresses commercially focussed advice and early client contact.
If applying as a part‑qualified or EQE candidate, show concrete experience of drafting/prosecuting UK, European and PCT applications and reference any EQE success or steps taken toward qualification.

Secerna LLP