Bristows LLP
Firm profile
Bristows is the world’s leading specialist law firm for clients that innovate. Bristows is a European headquartered hub for litigation, transactions and advice throughout the world. They help clients grow in life sciences, technology and other dynamic sectors - providing advice on all legal matters - and are proud to be different.
Many of the firm’s clients are international and its work often crosses different jurisdictions. Bristows has remained fiercely independent since it first began in 1837 and maintains a network of leading lawyers and specialists around the world. This means each practice group is free to partner with the best people in any jurisdiction for each client's need and build the right team of lawyers in the right locations.
Bristows doesn’t work to billing targets. This ensures clients get the right combination of experts working as one, who take the time to share their different perspectives and find the right answer, no matter how difficult or novel the question is. It’s a rare approach that defines the quality of Bristows’ advice.
Main areas of work
Patent Litigation in the Life Sciences and Tech Sectors
Bristows focuses on dynamic, IP-rich sectors and has the expertise to solve a broad range of litigation, transactional, and advisory challenges. The firm has a true cross-disciplinary practice encompassing its renowned IP, competition, regulatory, corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, IT and data protection teams. The strength of each individual practice complements the others to provide a fully integrated and comprehensive service.
Training opportunities
The firm has one recruitment round in the spring, and the deadline to apply for a training contract is 2 January 2026.
Bristows is hiring for September 2028 start date, there are some slots remaining for September 2027 which candidates can register interest for when applying.
Vacation scheme:
Bristows offers intensive one-day IP workshops to give students and graduates the opportunity to learn more about intellectual property law and the career opportunities available at Bristows
Deadlines: IP Workshops - 17 October 2025,
STEM IP Workshop - 24 October 2025,
STEM Fastrack IP Workshop - 31 October 2025,
1ST Year IP Workshop - 22 May 2026
Other benefits:
Great flexible benefit package including - Private medical insurance, Gymflex, Travel Insurance, Life insurance and lots of mental and physical health benefits
Hybrid working policy
Great work life balance
University law careers fairs 2025
We only attend careers fairs open to applicants from any university background with providers such as Aspiring Solicitors, Legal Cheek, AllAboutLaw, Bright Network and more
Social media:
Recruitment website: https://www.bristows.com/careers/trainees/
Instagram: @bristowsgrad