Talent pool for lawyers

EPO; Rijswijk; Hybrid; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent European patent office in Rijswijk is seeking talented lawyers to join their team. You will provide legal support and guidance, contributing to the development of legal frameworks in an engaging environment. Ideal candidates have a master's degree in law and relevant professional experience, with fluency in English preferred. The position offers a competitive salary and family-friendly benefits.

Benefits

30+ days of annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

On-site gym

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in administrative international law, private law, and other legal areas.
• Ability to draft legal documents and legislation.
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in French or German as an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and advice in relevant fields.
• Conduct legal analyses and draft opinions.
• Advise management on new policies and projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaborative work

Ability to deliver high-quality legal services

Education

Master's degree in law

Job description

Join our talent pool for lawyers

In anticipation of exciting future opportunities across various legal fields in our organisation, we are inviting lawyers at all career stages to join our talent pool for lawyers. Whether you are an emerging professional or a seasoned legal expert, we welcome individuals who are motivated, committed and eager to make a meaningful impact.

We are always looking for talented legal professionals to join our team. If you are passionate about law and eager to contribute your expertise, we encourage you to express your interest in future opportunities with us.

With a proven track record of tackling challenges on an international level, as a lawyer at the EPO you will play a key role in providing legal support and guidance to decision makers. Beyond that, you'll have the opportunity to actively shape the legal landscape in a dynamic, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

We are seeking lawyers with an agile mindset who are committed to their professional growth and eager to embrace the opportunity to collaborate across a broad spectrum of legal fields.

What we look for

• Qualified lawyers with a strong academic background
• Excellent analytical and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Commitment to delivering high-quality legal services

We anticipate future opportunities in the following areas

• Employment Law and Social Dialogue Advice
• Appeals Committee Secretariat
• Data Protection Office
• Legal Affairs (European and international patent law, institutional and contract law)
• Patent Law and Procedures

With us you will

• Provide legal support, in the relevant fields of law along with advice and expertise on matters in those fields
• Contribute to the development of the EPO's legal framework
• Conduct legal analyses, draft legal opinions and make legally binding decisions as required
• Advise senior management on new policies and projects
• Assist in managing legal risks to the EPO
• Draft legal agreements and provide legal advice during their negotiation and implementation
• Represent the EPO in meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Deliver presentations, training and workshops on legal matters
• Serve on advisory bodies and participate in working groups
• In areas responsible for litigation, prepare pleadings and represent the Office in internal and external proceedings

Apply if you have

• A master's degree in law or equivalent professional experience
• Extensive professional experience in one or (preferably) more of the following legal areas: administrative international law, private law (including employment and contract law), national public law including construction and tax law, public procurement law, IT law, European and international patent law, EPC and PCT procedures, international public law, EU law, data protection law or privacy law, legal tech solutions
• An agile mindset and the ability to quickly understand and deal with new legal topics
• The ability to understand legal issues in their wider context, including political and legislative processes
• Strong legal analysis and advisory skills
• Experience in drafting legal documents and legislation
• Excellent communication skills
• A proactive manner, exceptional organisational skills and commitment to achieving results within set deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach
• Fluency in English, with proficiency in French or German an advantage

Our minimum requirements for this post

• Diploma of completed studies at master's level or – in exceptional cases – equivalent professional experience
• Generally, an excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one official language (English, French and German) and ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of at least one official language (in such cases, the willingness to learn the missing language(s) and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required)
• Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation.

Why consider us

• Engaging and supportive work environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Challenging and rewarding legal work

What we offer

• Competitive salary: EUR 6 642 to 9 901 net/month (depending on location and experience)
• 30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements
• Generous remote work policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad (EPC states)
• Family‑friendly policies: childcare, education and relocation support
• Pension and insurance: excellent social security coverage
• Training and development: legal training, technical upskilling and mobility opportunities
• Facilities: on‑site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location)
• Top locations: high quality of life and a thriving international community

Why join us

✓ Be part of the EPO's transformation and enable innovation ✓ Work with inspiring people from a variety of cultures ✓ Develop yourself and take on an intellectual challenge

What's in it for you

✓ A competitive salary ✓ Family‑friendly benefits ✓ A good work‑life balance ✓ Generous flexibility options ✓ Relocation benefits and various allowances ✓ Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes ✓ 30 days' leave per year ✓ Free gym access ✓ Social activities and clubs

Who we are

We are the patent office for Europe. We are proud to deliver high‑quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

Our vision

We will empower and motivate our staff to set worldwide standards in intellectual property. Our Office will be effective and transparent, respond to the needs of our users and be agile in managing the changing demands and conditions of a dynamic global patent system. Our work will contribute to a safer, smarter and more sustainable world.

Our values

All our relationships within our Office and with partners around the world will prosper through trust, fairness, mutual respect, adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

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