Bristows

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Bristows

Bristows combines heavyweight technology, life sciences and patent disputes work with a close-knit, supportive culture that not only makes for a good training contract but also a place where many lawyers choose to spend their whole career.

Recruits were drawn to the London firm because it is ‘the best firm for technology and patent disputes’ and has ‘very strong life sciences expertise’. But the appeal is not just the work; trainees also praise the ‘good work- life balance’, ‘smaller cohort’ and the chance to take on ‘more early responsibility’ than they might expect to receive elsewhere.

If there’s one thing Bristows trainees agree on, it’s that ‘the people make the firm’. Respondents point to a ‘wonderfully supportive culture’, ‘positive and friendly colleagues’ and a genuine ‘sense of community and team spirit’. And, as one trainee explained: the firm is ‘small enough that people not only know who you are, but also how hard you’re working’. For those looking to be challenged without feeling like a small cog in a big machine, Bristows seems to hit the sweet spot.

The work itself does not disappoint either. Trainees report ‘trying my hand at tasks far beyond what I expected’, from ‘handling client correspondence and legal research to drafting advice and even defences’. Supervision is strong too, with senior lawyers described as ‘super willing to teach’ and ‘sincere about our development and training’. Standout moments include attending High Court hearings and ‘working on very high-profile cases’. More generally, Bristows lawyers appreciate feeling ‘part of a team where we are valued’ and being entrusted with a ‘high degree of involvement with client matters’.

That’s not to say the ride is always smooth. Busy periods can be intense, particularly when ‘multiple matters have reached a crunch point’, or during ‘the run-up to trial’. Some respondents would also like to see better legal tech, more structured training across seats and pay that keeps pace with competitors. Still, the recurring message is that, even when the workload bites, trainees ‘always felt supported every step of the way’.

For junior lawyers who want to build a career at the intersection of IP, technology and life sciences, while still feeling known, valued and supported, Bristows offers an enviable blend of specialist work and genuinely human training.

A day in the life of… Simon Bayliss, trainee solicitor

Departments to date: Corporate Tax & Employment, IP Litigation

University: University of Law

Degree: BSc (Hons) Community Emergency Health (Paramedic Practitioner) (BSc) - 1st - Gained - Non-Law - Medicine - BSc

Before joining Bristows, I had a varied career across healthcare, education and consulting. I started out studying a healthcare and medical science degree and practising as an NHS paramedic, before going on to teach biology and the sciences, completing an MSc in science education along the way. I later moved into consulting for the health and social care sector, where I gained exposure to the legal and regulatory frameworks underpinning the industry. It was this that sparked my interest in the law, and led me to pursue a career as a solicitor.

I was drawn to Bristows because of its reputation as a science-led firm, its culture and the unique training experience on offer. Throughout the TC interview process, the firm’s expertise and focus shone through. The stages were rigorous, with plenty of challenging questions and tasks that encouraged me to think in-depth and talk through my ‘workings’, and was also focussed on face-to-face interviews. These were consistently friendly, designed to put you at your ease, and gave me a genuine insight into the Bristows culture and work a trainee could expect to be involved in.

Since joining, one of the standout aspects has been the small trainee intake. It creates a close-knit group, and we regularly work together and help each other out. Bristows also invests in trainees from day one, both in terms of training and social and networking opportunities, which has made settling in very easy.

I have spent the first 6 months of my TC across corporate, tax and employment seats, where I was able to take responsibility and develop ownership early, on matters spanning from securing funding for new tech spin-out companies to employment and tax advice to more established, household name businesses. I am currently sitting in my 6-month patent litigation seat, which has already given me the chance to combine my interest in the life sciences with the law and litigation.

My day-to-day work involves drafting documents, coordinating tasks across matters, and preparing for hearings and trials – both in the UK and beyond. A key part of my current role is working with scientific experts to understand the technical aspects of cases, alongside carrying out legal research into relevant principles and case law.

The culture at Bristows is genuinely collaborative. There is always something going on, including volunteering opportunities, social events and other fun things to get involved in. People across Bristows bring a breadth of difference experience and interests, are always generous with sharing their knowledge and love what they do, which makes it an exciting place to be as a trainee!

About the firm

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 partners: 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: 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.

First-year opportunities:

First year workshop/Insight Day

Date: 11/06/2027

Application deadline: 14/05/2027

 

Sponsorship

Full sponsorship of PGDL and SQE1&2.

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

SQE1&2: £15,000 maintenance grant per year of study.

Seat options

IP litigation; Brands, design and copyright; Real estate; Corporate, tax and employment; Commercial disputes; Commercial IP/Commercial IT&AI/Data Cyber & Libel; 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/inclusion