Powell Gilbert LLP

By Hollie Gould · Updated September 2026

Boutique City London

Overview

Powell Gilbert LLP is a London-based specialist intellectual property firm with a strong focus on patent work and TMT-related IP disputes. The firm is recognised in directory rankings for its patents practice (contentious and non-contentious) and also has acknowledged capability in life sciences and trade mark/copyright work. Its market position is that of a focused IP boutique serving technology, media, telecoms and life sciences clients, with particular strength in patent litigation and advisory work.

Headquarters: London
Offices: 1

Values & Culture

Practice Areas

Intellectual Property
Technology & Digital
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Media & Entertainment

Geographic Focus: London-focused practice serving clients in technology, media and life sciences sectors. Recognised for UK patent work (contentious and non-contentious) with practice strengths reflected in national directory rankings.

Training Contract

Programmes & Schemes

Summer of IP (Work Experience)

Powell Gilbert is a powerhouse of European Intellectual Property law and one of the most highly regarded specialist IP litigation firms in Europe. We advise on all IP rights and represent clients from a broad variety of industries. Each summer, we run two one week work experience programmes. During these weeks, you will take part in several interactive sessions including a patent analysis activity, CV and interview workshops, meet with different departments across the firm, and get a general understanding of how our firm works. Our programmes are open to university students and graduates from all disciplines. One of our work experience weeks is designed for law students and the other for non law students.

Deadline: TBC

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What Powell Gilbert LLP Looks For

Key Competencies

Technical aptitude
Attention to detail
Commercial awareness
Teamwork
Strong written and oral communication
Interest in science/technology or life sciences (where relevant to patents)

Evidence Signals

Relevant work experience in IP, patents or TMT-related roles
Academic background in science, engineering or technology for patent-focused roles
Mooting, advocacy or litigation-related experience for contentious work
Commercial internships or in-house technology sector exposure
Demonstrable attention to detail (e.g., technical drafting, research projects)

Benefits & Wellbeing

Awards & Recognition

Legal 500: Tier 1 - Intellectual property: patents (contentious and non-contentious) (London)
Legal 500: Tier 3 - Life sciences and healthcare (London)
Legal 500: Tier 4 - Intellectual property: trade marks, copyright and design (London)
Chambers & Partners: 4 ranked lawyers; 25 ranked departments (directory listing data)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Innovation

Quick Application Angles

Highlight interest and any technical background in patents and IP—Powell Gilbert is ranked Tier 1 for patents, so demonstrate technical competence and an understanding of patent litigation or prosecution processes.
If you have life sciences or technology sector experience, make this explicit—Legal 500 recognises the firm’s work in life sciences and TMT, and sector knowledge will strengthen an application.
Use the firm’s 'Summer of IP' work-experience page as a conversation point in applications and interviews to show you have engaged with the firm’s early-career opportunities and understand its practice focus.

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