Legal Internship (Rechtsreferendariat)

Job Description

Legal Internship (“Rechtsreferendariat”) at the European Patent Office (EPO)
Location: Munich
Duration: 3–6 months
Application deadline: Ongoing (rolling basis)

The European Patent Office (EPO) welcomes students completing their Rechtsreferendarzeit—the mandatory practical legal training between the first and second German state exams. The internship takes place at the EPO headquarters in Munich.

The Rechtsreferendariat is a two-year training period required for law students in Germany to qualify as lawyers. While its structure is broadly similar across federal states, each state administers its own programme. One key component is the “Wahlpflichtpraktikum”—a compulsory internship in a legal field of the candidate’s choice, such as international or EU law. This internship typically lasts three months and can be completed at the EPO.

Eligibility Criteria

You are encouraged to apply if you meet the following requirements:

• You have passed the first German state examination in law (erstes Staatsexamen) and are admitted as a Rechtsreferendar preparing for the second state exam.
• You are a national of one of the EPO member states.
• You possess excellent command of one of the EPO’s official languages (English, French, or German) and a good command of at least one of the others.
• You demonstrate:
• • Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability
  • Independent and team-oriented work ethic
  • Initiative and sense of responsibility
  • Strong organizational and prioritization skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism, discretion, and integrity

What the EPO Offers

• Practical on-the-job learning guided by an experienced tutor and colleagues
• Experience working in a multicultural and international environment
• Insight into the operations of a dynamic intergovernmental organisation
• Opportunities to grow, contribute, and take on meaningful responsibilities

Application Process

Apply online, submitting the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (with language levels per the Common European Framework of Reference)
• Degree certificate from your erstes Staatsexamen
• Proof of admission as a Rechtsreferendar
• Motivation letter

Applications are accepted year-round. You will be contacted once a suitable opportunity becomes available.

Selection: Preselected candidates will be invited for an online interview.

Internship Departments

You may indicate your preferred department in your application:

Principal Directorate Legal Affairs

Focuses on legal solutions related to patent law and institutional/legal governance, including work on the Unitary Patent, global patent harmonisation, international legal relations, and policy development.

Principal Directorate Patent Law and Procedures

Handles all legal and procedural issues related to the European Patent Convention (EPC) and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), including patentability, examiner guidance, legal texts, and Unitary Patent implementation.

Data Protection Office (DPO)

Monitors and advises on data protection compliance and privacy, conducts audits, drafts internal policy, and supports employees in exercising their data rights.

Boards of Appeal – Legal Services

Supports the judicial body of the EPO by providing legal advice, conducting research, and supporting institutional governance and case law development.

Disclaimer: Applications will be received until this position is filled