Bristows

The Legal 500 Future Lawyers verdict on Bristows

‘Prowess in the life sciences and IP space’ and an ‘emphasis on tech work’ were the resounding reasons trainees joined Bristows. Supervisors at the London firm are ‘always making sure that we get involved in various matters and are exposed to a variety of tasks’. Even better is that ‘feedback is always constructive, which doesn’t seem to be the case at every firm’. Trainees enjoy a ‘better work/life balance’ than at some larger firms, but ‘without having to compromise on the quality of work’. The ‘extremely friendly and patient’ people, and the ‘ease with which we can approach our seniors’ are some of the best things about Bristows. This open pathway of communication not only ‘helps significantly with professional development’, but also ‘assists us in building a rapport with our colleagues early on in our careers’. Some respondents complained that ‘the financial remuneration is lower post qualification and at senior associate level when compared with other City law firms’. The ‘lack of perks’ frustrates some recruits too. Bristows trainees have their share of mundane yet stressful occasions, such as ‘updating bundles when I had just changed seats and had no idea what the case was about or what documents I was looking at’. But fulfilling moments such as ‘seeing the results of your work live in court’ are much more commonplace. To train at a firm which ‘really stands out in terms of approachability of supervisors, quality of training, work/life balance and support from mentors’, consider Bristows.

My experience as a trainee… Hafsa Babar, trainee solicitor, Bristows

Departments to date: Commercial, technology, and copyright disputes; Patent litigation

University: Queen Mary, University of London University College London University of Law

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

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: Miranda Cass

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.

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