A degree is generally required to become a barrister, solicitor or patent attorney, but many law professionals do not have degrees in law-related subjects. A career in law can allow you to apply the analytical, research and logic skills you developed during your biosciences degree.
Patent attorneys deal with the patenting of inventions by companies and members of the public. Most patent attorneys have some sort of science or technology background prior to becoming a patent attorney.
As a bioscience graduate, you can also become a barrister or solicitor by completing a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL, also known as a PDL or PgDL) or a Common Professional Examination (CPE). Once this conversion course is completed, you can then begin the series of exams and pupillages required to becoming a practicing barrister or solicitor.
Links and further information
- Patent attorney as a career – detailed guide from the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys
- Patent examiner job profile – skills and duties of a patent examiner from Prosepects
- Graduate Diploma in Law application information – apply via the Central Applications Board
- Law Conversion Course – Postgraduate Diploma in Law – institutions that offer GDLs from Prospects
- Funding Sources – a few funding ideas for students on GDLs and LPCs from the Law Society
- Inns of Court – funding and support for those training to be Barristers from the Bar Council
- Professional and Career Development Loans – government loans for continuing your studies (DirectGov)