Company description

With over 25 years of presence in Belgium, Bird & Bird’s Brussels office advises both Belgian and international clients across a wide range of sectors, including life sciences, chemicals, technology, communications, energy, automotive, and financial services. We are recognised for our deep sector expertise and forward-thinking approach to complex legal and regulatory challenges.

At Bird & Bird, we help clients navigate change and seize opportunity. With 34 offices across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and North America, and more than 1,600 lawyers worldwide, we provide proactive, commercially focused advice to leading organisations across multiple industries. Our Brussels office brings together 85 professionals from 10 nationalities, creating a dynamic and collaborative working environment at the heart of Europe. Learn more at www.twobirds.com

More about Bird & Bird (Belgium)

Location: Brussels (Belgium)
Practice Group: EU Competition / Trade / Public Affairs
Contract Type: Traineeship (6 months)
Start Date: September 2026

The Role

We are looking for a motivated and intellectually curious EU Law Trainee to join our Brussels-based EU Competition, Trade & Public Affairs team for a period of six months, starting in September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in EU trade defense, competition law, and public affairs in a dynamic international law firm environment.

Working alongside experienced lawyers and public affairs advisers, you will be involved in substantive public affairs and legal work from day one and will have the opportunity to develop your skills across a broad range of EU law matters.

Key Responsibilities

Conducting legal research and preparing memoranda on EU competition law, trade defense instruments (anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, etc.), and trade policy developments
Monitoring and analyzing EU legislative and regulatory developments relevant to clients' industries and interests
Drafting and reviewing legal and public affairs policy documents, briefings, and client updates
Assisting in the preparation of advocacy strategies and stakeholder engagement materials
Attending meetings with clients, EU institutions, and trade associations
Contributing to business development activities, including the preparation of pitches and legal publications

Requirements

Essential:

LLM in EU Law (or equivalent postgraduate qualification) from a recognized university, completed or expected to be completed prior to the start date
Fluency in English (written and spoken) to a professional standard; additional EU languages are an asset
Strong interest in analyzing EU legislative and regulatory developments
Strong interest in EU policy in general and trade defense law and policy in particular
Excellent research and analytical skills
Strong drafting and writing abilities
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, international team environment
Attention to detail and a proactive, can-do attitude

Desirable:

Prior academic or professional exposure to EU trade defense instruments (anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, etc.)
Knowledge of basic principles of EU legislative and specific regulatory developments
Familiarity with EU institutions and legislative procedures
Proficiency in French or other EU languages

What We Offer

Hands-on experience in a leading international law firm's Brussels practice
Exposure to high-profile EU competition, trade, and regulatory matters
Mentoring and guidance from senior lawyers and public affairs professionals
Networking opportunities within EU institutions and industry stakeholders
A collaborative and international working environment
Competitive trainee remuneration

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, academic transcripts and cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experience via the 'Apply' button by the 17th of July.

Bird & Bird is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.