I chose NLO as my employer because it embodies everything I was looking for in a workplace. First and foremost, it’s an equal opportunity employer, which aligns with my values of diversity and inclusion. Its strong reputation across Europe and global perspective make it a company that’s open to expats like me, creating a truly international work environment.

What also stood out to me is the top-notch training it offers, alongside the chance to learn from highly experienced attorneys. This is invaluable for my professional growth. The variety of clients, many of whom are top players in biotech, life sciences, and agriculture, ensures that the work is always dynamic and impactful.

Additionally, the hybrid working model provides the flexibility I value, and the multiple offices across the Netherlands and Belgium highlight its regional strength and accessibility. My decision was also strongly influenced by an employee at the time, who spoke highly of the opportunities and culture at NLO which reassured me it was the right choice for my career.

Yes, I do like my new role in practice, even more than I expected! Transitioning from academia to working at an IP firm wasn’t a completely smooth change—it was exciting but also challenging. It required a lot of adaptability. Going from being an expert in a specific field to suddenly knowing very little about a new one is humbling, but it’s also a great opportunity for growth.

The firm provides thorough training, and I’ve found that my education and previous work experience are highly valued and essential here. That has been incredibly reassuring. Every day is different, which keeps the work interesting and engaging. I get to see a variety of fascinating inventions and often have to solve intellectual puzzles, which is both stimulating and rewarding.

It does require long hours of studying and grasping complex legal concepts, which can be intense, but I’ve come to embrace the challenge. The satisfaction of learning, contributing to fostering fascinating inventions, and already feeling like a valuable member of the team makes all the effort worthwhile.

I really enjoy working at NLO because it offers a dynamic and supportive environment that encourages both professional and personal growth. The company values its employees, and you can see that through the investment in training, the collaborative culture, and the opportunity to work on exciting, impactful cases. The variety of clients, from universities and research centres to start-ups and large companies, makes the work both interesting and challenging.

One of the things I appreciate most is working with such smart and talented people in my team. Everyone brings unique expertise and insights, which makes working together and learning both enriching and motivating. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by colleagues who are passionate about what they do, and this pushes me to continually learn and improve.

I also appreciate the flexibility offered through the hybrid working model, which provides a healthy work-life balance. Overall, NLO fosters an atmosphere where continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation are prioritized, making it a great place to grow and contribute.