Job Description
The European Patent Office (EPO) welcomes students in their ”Rechtsreferendarzeit” (period of practical training between the first and second state exams for law students in Germany). The legal internship takes place at the EPO in Munich.
The ”Rechtsreferendariat” is a two-year preparation period that law students in Germany must complete before taking the second state exam in law, which eventually qualifies the candidate to work as a lawyer. Although its structure is similar in all federal states of Germany, each organises its own programme. in which the candidate takes the exam. One part of the ”Rechtsreferendariat” is the ”Wahlpflichtpraktikum” (a compulsory internship in a legal area of the candidate’s own choice), which can, inter alia, be undertaken in the area of international law and EU law and lasts three months.
Apply if you meet the following programme requirements:
- You have successfully completed the first German state exam in law (”erstes Staatsexamen”) and have been admitted as a ”Rechtsreferendar” in preparation for the second German state exam.
- You are a national of one of the EPO member states.
- You have excellent knowledge of one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French and German) and good knowledge of one of the other official languages.
- You have the capacity to analyse problems and find appropriate solutions, the ability to work independently as well as within a team, willingness to take on responsibility, organisational and prioritisation skills, customer service skills, excellent communication skills, professionalism, flexibility, self-initiative, personal integrity, discretion and respect for confidentiality.
With us you will:
- learn on the job, guided by a tutor and experienced colleagues
- work with inspiring people from a variety of cultures in the context of a vibrant international organisation
- get hands-on experience of working in a dynamic environment
- feel empowered to grow in your role and take on responsibilities
Selection procedure
Preselected candidates will be invited to an online interview.
Application process
Please apply by completing the online application form, ensuring you include the documents indicated below:
- CV (specifying your language levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- degree obtained on completion of the first state examination in law (”erstes Staatsexamen”)
- certificate of employment as a “Rechtsreferendar” motivation letter
Please note that applications are accepted all year round for this rolling vacancy. Candidates will be contacted as soon as the need arises in the relevant department.
