Bristows

Bristows is a medium-sized firm that handles the kind of work that might normally be associated with only the very largest firms. Established over 180 years ago, the firm has built up a client list that includes leading businesses from a variety of innovative sectors - especially the life sciences and technology, media and telecoms- whether global corporations, fast-growing start-ups, high profile charities or financial institutions. Working with so many ambitious organisations, the firm is often advising on issues that shape entire industries and on which a company's future might depend. For example, advising on whether the business is entitled to launch a new product, expand to a new market, or assisting a client to buy a rival business.

Bristows has one of the foremost intellectual property practices in the world while offering a full service to clients. The firm's lawyers are also leading authorities in a wide variety of other legal disciplines and these are our core practice areas: intellectual property; information technology and data protection; corporate; commercial, technology and copyright disputes; real estate; regulatory; EU and competition; brands, designs and copyright; employment and tax.

As part of a small intake (we recruit around 10 graduates each year), the trainees work alongside the partners dealing directly with clients right from the start. During the two year contract, trainees spend time in each of the firm's main departments, developing their skills and knowledge. Part of this training may also involve a UK secondment to the in-house legal department of one of the firm's leading multinational clients.

The firm places importance on having a diverse and inclusive environments and recruits trainees from all degree disciplines and from a wide range of universities. Due to the nature of the work we do for our clients, many of our solicitors have degrees in science or technical disciplines.