Discipline: Patent Litigation

Preferred Minimum Level of Qualifications: 2:1 Degree / STEM Graduates / Masters / LPC / SQE

Term: 2 years

Start date: September 2023

About EIP

EIP specialises in high-value and complex patent matters with offices in Europe and the US. Our multidisciplinary team combines patent attorneys, litigators and commercial IP lawyers in three of the world’s main patent markets – Germany, UK and USA, and now also in the Nordics through our recent expansion into Sweden. EIP has an ever-growing client base, from major multinationals through exciting mid-stage IP-rich companies, to highly innovative start-ups, across the world.

The approach to progress is highly meritocratic, with patent attorneys at all levels receiving support through a sophisticated training program. New trainees get exposure to clients from the day of joining. Those who join us share in the team’s stand-out visibility in the world of patents and get to celebrate our award wins.

Since 2018 EIP has been a five-time winner of European and UK Patent Contentious Firm of the Year by leading IP magazine, Managing IP while The Financial Times lists EIP as a leading European patent law firm, recently awarding EIP the highest possible ranking (gold stars across all six technology areas). Feedback received from clients and peers rates EIP as “unstuffy and its staff are very personable”, with “excellent technical and legal expertise”, and they “combine an exceptional professional ethic with impressive technical diligence”.

Diversity is an intrinsic part of EIP’s business culture. We are proud to support the IP Inclusive initiative and we are a signatory to the IP Inclusive Charter. EIP actively engages in diversity efforts and is committed to developing an attitude of openness for the benefit of all those working in the IP profession.

About the litigation team

Our multi award-winning patent litigation practice is highly successful and highly ranked in the legal directories. Our cross-border team of patent litigators sits in Germany and the UK thus allowing us to service clients in two of the key European patent litigation jurisdictions.

Our innovative combination of experienced specialist patent litigators and the wide variety of technical specialties of our patent attorneys provides an invaluable combination of professionals to work with to evaluate the fine detail of any case both technically and legally.

As borne out by our long line of client successes in the court room, this combination gives EIP and its clients an invaluable tool for the early identification and preparation of the most suitable case for our clients’ needs, and the progression of that case through to trial.

The litigation team has offices in London and Dusseldorf. The position is for the London office and we currently have 5 partners, 3 managing associates, 9 associates and 3 trainees.

We have been awarded UK Firm of the Year for patent litigation four years in a row.

About the vacancy

We are looking for a trainee solicitor to join our leading litigation department who will gain direct experience working closely with the solicitors and partners on complex patent cases.

Additionally, the trainee solicitor will develop their skills in other areas, to include:

• Client care
• Practice support
• Case management
• Oral presentation
• Communication skills
• Business development

You will work within the IP litigation department, supporting fee earners in all aspect of their contentious work. During the second year of your training contract, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in commercial law; in that regard, many of our trainees undertake a secondment with one of our clients or one of our partner law firms.

This is a unique opportunity for an aspiring trainee solicitor with an interest in IP law to establish their career and work on large patent litigation cases. Individual thinking is encouraged, and everyone gets fully involved and takes ownership of their work to achieve the best for the client and also develop their career in an innovative and forward-thinking IP law firm.

Trainees will be considered for an associate position upon qualification.

Skills, experience & qualifications

We would be interested to hear from STEM graduates (or from graduates in other disciplines who can demonstrate an interest and aptitude in hard IP) who are currently completing or have already completed their Legal Practice Course (LPC) / Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). An academic background in IP law and/or a STEM subject is desirable but not essential. Candidates may have but are not required to have an MSc or a PhD qualification in a scientific subject.

You will be comfortable working in a modern, fast-paced environment where you are given a level of autonomy to do your work.

Successful candidates will also be able to demonstrate the following:

• An appropriate professional attitude (personable, well prepared, flexible and enthusiastic)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely, and the ability to structure a precise and coherent argument
• Ability to deal with a variety of people at different levels
• Ability to balance knowledge of intellectual property law against commercial requirements
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent research and presentation skills
• Meticulous attention to detail, and an analytical mind
• Initiative and the ability to act independently

Benefits & rewards

Our Trainees receive a competitive salary and enjoy several benefits:

• Company bonus scheme
• 25 days of holiday, excluding bank holidays
• Private medical healthcare
• Free eye tests
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Group personal pension plan
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave
• Holiday Loyalty
• Volunteering leave

Equal opportunities

EIP is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious practice or any other perceived differences.