Career opportunities: Talent pool for lawyers

In anticipation of exciting future opportunities across various legal fields on 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, commited and eager to make a meaningful impact.

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.

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. 

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
• inclusive culture: 35+ nationalities, supportive networks and a strong DEI commitment
• facilities: on-site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location)
• top locations: high quality of life and a thriving international community
• (see full list of benefits)

Process

Please upload your updated CV and outline your motivation in the designated application field (character limit If you wish, you can also upload your motivation letter as a Word or pdf attachment under "Application document" in SuccessFactors. In this case, please indicate that you have done so in the designated field (by selecting "Please refer to attached motivation letter").

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications and relevant experience, supplemented as appropriate by interviews, tests and/or a personality questionnaire, with the aim of constituting a reserve list (24 months - extendable).

You can find out more about how we recruit on the EPO jobs and careers site.

Key information 

Job group: 4
Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 6 642 to 9 901, depending on experience and location) 
Duration of appointment: Five years, with the possibility of extension
Career path: Technical
Location: Office-wide
Application deadline:  15 December 2025

Interviews planned for: 26 January - 06 February 2026

* after deduction of EPO-internal tax and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.