Job Description

Young Professionals Programme in Law

 

Applications deadline: 09.03.2026

 

Are you a recent graduate interested in the world of intellectual property and looking for your first employment experience?
The European Patent Office (EPO) invites applications for the Young Professionals Programme, starting in September 2026. Young Professionals are recruited across a wide range of technical and corporate areas and will work at one of the EPO’s sites in Munich, The Hague, Vienna, Berlin or Brussels.


The programme is designed to attract and develop high-potential graduates who are motivated to grow, take on responsibility and contribute in a complex, international environment. It offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, apply academic knowledge in a professional setting, and develop skills that are relevant across disciplines.
Depending on the assignment, Young Professionals contribute to meaningful tasks and deepen their understanding of how intellectual property is applied in practice within an international organisation.

 

 

Opportunities in the area of Law 

 

Depending on the department, your role may involve, for example: 

  • Supporting legal analysis and research activities, including case-law analysis, comparative legal studies, monitoring legal and policy developments, and preparing legal memoranda 
  • Assisting with the drafting of legal documents, such as legal opinions, procedural assessments, decisions, submissions, contracts, briefs, guidelines and correspondence 
  • Contributing to litigation, appeals and dispute-resolution processes, including case management support, preparation of files, and assistance in amicable settlement or mediation activities 
  • Supporting employment, institutional, contract or governance-related legal matters, including policy development, legal advice, and implementation of the legal framework of an international organisation 
  • Contributing to patent law, procedural and policy-related activities, including work related to EP, PCT and Unitary Patent proceedings, harmonisation initiatives, and international cooperation 
  • Assisting with reporting, documentation and knowledge-sharing activities, including preparation of briefings, presentations, statistical overviews and contributions to internal or external publications 
  • Supporting sustainability, ESG and social governance initiatives, including legal and policy research, benchmarking, coordination activities and stakeholder engagement

 

List of departments offering a seat for a Young Professional
Check this list including department descriptions and example projects. You may express a preference for one of the listed departments in your application. 

 

With us you will: 

 

  • Enjoy a year-long paid programme in a field of interest, with the possibility to apply for up to two additional years on the programme 
  • Benefit from a tailored training and development programme, covering IP-specific topics, language learning and career guidance 
  • Learn on the job, supported by a tutor and experienced colleagues 
  • Work with colleagues from a wide variety of cultural and professional backgrounds 
  • Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and innovative environment 
  • Feel empowered to grow in your role and take on responsibilities 
  • Be among the first to see the latest inventions 

 

 

Programme requirements 

 

You should apply if you meet the following criteria: 

  • You come from one of the listed universities 
  • You are a national of one of the EPO’s member states 
  • You hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent 
  • You have excellent knowledge of one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French or German) 

 

We are looking for talented graduates with the potential to grow, strong analytical thinking, and the ability to contribute effectively in a collaborative working environment.

 

Learn more about the programme

 

Application process 

 

  • Application deadline: 09 March 2026 
  • Online interviews: April and May 2026 
  • Results announced: June 2026 
  • Programme start date: 15 September 2026 

 

 

Please note that you may only apply for one programme vacancy pool (e.g. Science and Engineering, Law, Economics and Finance) and should indicate your preferred department within that area. This does not limit consideration for other departments or areas if a suitable match is identified. 

 

 

Key information 

 

  • Net (basic) monthly salary: approx. EUR 2 300 
  • Duration of appointment: one year (full-time) 
  • Location: Office-wide (Munich, The Hague, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels) 

 

* Average across sites; net amount after deduction of EPO-internal tax and staff contributions to social security and pension schemes. 

We welcome all applications for vacant positions. We consider each on its professional merits – regardless of your nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion or belief.
Information at a Glance
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Six reasons to join us
✓ Experience unique on-the-job learning
✓ Benefit from a targeted personal development plan
✓ Enjoy a tailored employment package
✓ Get mentoring and guidance
✓ Join a great multicultural community
✓ Work on global pressing challenges

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.

Our work environment
We believe that diversity is fundamental to our success. Our inclusive work environment respects, values and celebrates our individual differences. We want you to be yourself at work. Join us on this exciting journey to a more digital, collaborative and sustainable organisation.

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