Bristows

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Bristows

Trainees are drawn to Bristows for its “sector focus, quality of partner rankings, D&I focus, culture” and for being “the top firm for IP work” with a specialisation in “life sciences and technology clients.” Many highlight that Bristows was the only firm they applied to, as it promised “an incomparable quality of work in the sciences and technology industries and a generous work life balance – as a biologist, it was a no brainer.” Others emphasise the combination of “an extremely high calibre of clients and intellectual property work in the Life Sciences and industry, as well as a very friendly and inclusive culture which was unlike any other firm.” The firm’s smaller trainee intake also means that trainees “get more responsibility and more opportunities to learn directly from the partners themselves than at other firms,” with the added benefit that “the familiar and friendly relationship between the trainees and partners is not something I have heard from my friends at other firms.” Training at Bristows is widely praised, with respondents noting that “everyone I have met is invested in training and your development so is willing to give you their time to help you where they have it” and that “the quality of work we are given is consistently higher and more interesting than other firms.” Trainees are trusted with “associate-level work if there is the opportunity for it,” and the approachable structure contrasts with the more hierarchical culture at larger firms. “From what I have heard, it seems to be a lot better,” one trainee reflected, highlighting the positive impact of being able to approach supervisors freely. The culture is a key highlight, with many describing it as “amazing” and noting that “the people – the culture is amazing, it is a group of really clever and really friendly people solving problems together.” Bristows “has no shortage of fascinating matters and clients, and fosters a culture of collaboration and team work,” and trainees appreciate that “there is no hoarding of interesting matters” and that they are invited to work on some of the biggest and most interesting projects in the firm. Standout moments include “attending all days of a three-week patent litigation trial within the first three months of my training contract” and completing work that “directly shaped our client’s pleadings.” While there are minor frustrations, such as “the perks…struggle to impress when held up against larger firms” or technology issues, trainees value the combination of “high-quality work, supportive culture, and meaningful professional development.” Overall, Bristows offers a rare balance of intellectually challenging work, friendly colleagues, and a genuinely approachable environment.

My experience as a trainee… Hafsa Babar, trainee solicitor

Departments to date: : Commercial, technology, and copyright disputes; Patent litigation, Client Secondment, Brands Designs & Copyright, Commercial IP/IT/DCL.

University: Queen Mary, University of London

Degree: LLB Law, MSc Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions, LPC

I applied to Bristows because it integrates two fields I am passionate about: life sciences and technology. During my law degree, I completed a health law module which sparked my interest in the healthcare sector. I was intrigued by the constant growth, innovation and research that characterises this sector. My MSc in Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions highlighted the critical role of innovation in transitioning to sustainable energy systems and the spread of socially and environmentally acceptable technologies. Bristows, with its diverse clientele, from pharmaceutical giants to universities, biotech companies, and tech start-ups, was an ideal environment for me nurture these interests alongside the law.

The IP workshop allowed me to gain a further insight into the firm and I went on to apply for a training contract. Although certainly thorough, the application journey allowed me the comfort to come to the table as myself. I completed an initial written application, a pre-recorded video interview, followed by two further interviews and a written exercise. Compared to other firms, I was impressed by the welcoming and genuine nature of the interviews. The questions were engaging and designed to stimulate thought rather than catch me out, encouraging a conversational atmosphere that helped me feel relaxed. The interviewers’ genuine interest in my background and motivations, combined with their intellectually stimulating questions, made me confident that Bristows was the right fit for me.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Bristows. I completed my first seat in commercial, technology, and copyright disputes and I am currently sitting in patent litigation. While a year of contentious work may sound daunting, the work has been diverse, and I have been pushed to become a better trainee as a result. I have been trusted and nurtured by my seniors, who are incredibly helpful, supportive and encouraging. I feel comfortable approaching them with any questions, and they go above and beyond to provide answers from their own experiences. This culture has allowed me to develop meaningful and strong relationships with my colleagues.

My tasks have included: preparing for and attending court for case management conferences and hearings; attending witness interviews and assisting in the preparation of witness evidence; conducting legal research into case law and procedural rules; completing a first draft of a statement of case; and managing and co-ordinating smaller client matters.

Training contracts are challenging wherever you go, but completing one at a firm that genuinely cares about your development and under the guidance of supportive individuals makes it all the more rewarding.

About the firm

Introductory paragraph about the firm: We are Bristows, the world’s leading specialist law firm for clients that innovate.

We are a European headquartered hub for litigation, transactions and advice throughout the world. We help clients grow in life sciences, technology and other dynamic sectors. We provide advice on all their legal matters and are proud to be different.

At Bristows, we have always been at the forefront of change. From patenting the first electrical telegraph to launching the UK’s genome sequencing project, we have been helping clients who create and embrace new technologies and ideas.

Senior partner: Matthew Warren

Managing partner: Adrian Sim and Steve Smith

Other offices: Brussels, Dublin

Who we are: 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. Bristows does not work to billing targets and aims to recruit inquisitive minds, many with science and technology backgrounds.

What we do: 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.

What we’re looking for in a trainee: https://www.bristows.com/careers/trainees/want-some-advice/hints-and-tips/.

What you’ll do: https://www.bristows.com/careers/trainees/why-bristows/practice-areas/.

Perks : Trainees receive the same full benefits package as full-time staff, which includes private medical insurance, life insurance, travel insurance, gymflex deals and access to our full suite of other lifestyle and wellbeing benefits.

Sponsorship

Full sponsorship of PGDL and SQE1&2.

PGDL: £10,000 maintenance grant per year of study.

SQE1&2: £11,000 maintenance grant per year of study.

 

Seat options

Patent litigation; Brands, design and copyright; Real estate; Corporate, tax and employment; Commercial and technology disputes; Commercial IP/IT/DCL; Competition; Regulatory.

 

Tips from the recruiter

Tailor your application/convey your interest in the career and the firm. We are looking for individuals that demonstrate an interest in not only the career itself but the firm as a whole. Tailoring your application is a great way of showing that you have researched the firm and have a clear understanding of who we are and what we do. Although a useful resource tool for many, copying an answer from AI tools such as ChatGPT does not make a good answer, so please avoid doing so in your application.

Think of your audience. Across the interview process, your application will be seen by members of the graduate recruitment team as well as partners/senior associates at the firm. These individuals could be your potential future colleagues, so bear this in mind when writing your application.

Play to your strengths (don’t lie!). Every candidate will have a unique selling point that differentiates them from other applicants. Before you submit your application, think about your strengths and how they will benefit you in a career as a solicitor at Bristows. It is much easier to talk about something that you are genuinely passionate about rather than writing what you think your interviewers want to hear.

Diversity and Inclusion