A new attorney, identifying only as anonymous on the Reddit forum r/Lawyertalk, posted this week seeking advice on leaving their first job at a small European patent (EP) firm after just 90 days.
The post, made on February 19, 2026, details dissatisfaction with the firm’s environment and requests guidance on navigating a departure so early in their career. The attorney did not specify the location of the firm.
The timing of the inquiry coincides with a period of significant activity in the European patent litigation landscape. According to JUVE Patent, a publication tracking the field, firms specializing in patent litigation are experiencing both increased demand and competitive pressure. Bardehle Pagenberg, a leading firm in Germany, has been particularly noted for its success since the launch of the Unified Patent Court (UPC), setting a standard for other top-tier firms, according to JUVE Patent’s 2026 assessment.
The EPO (European Patent Office) maintains a directory of professional representatives, including patent attorneys, and offers a request for entry onto its list. Directories of national registered patent attorneys are also available for countries including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Türkiye, as listed on the EPO website.
Bardehle Pagenberg, described as a “top-tier IP firm in Germany” by WTR 1000 in 2025, emphasizes collaboration between patent attorneys and lawyers within its structure, with a history spanning over 45 years. The firm’s website highlights a commitment to thorough legal advice and a solutions-oriented approach.
The Reddit post remains open, with users offering advice to the anonymous attorney. As of February 19, 2026, no official response has been made by the firm in question.
