In this edition, Isabelle Schaller talks us through what the path to Partner looks like in Germany. Isabelle is a litigator in our Düsseldorf team and a UPC Representative. She has built her career at the sharp end of high-stakes patent disputes, from the German national courts to the Unified Patent Court. Here Isabelle shares how that journey unfolds, the lessons it taught her, and her advice for those on the same road.
Take us back to the beginning. What set you on the path to becoming a patent litigator, and how did the route to Partner take shape from there?
It was EIP; it was the people at EIP.
Breaking away from the rather old-fashioned, rigid world of law firms in Germany, the open mindset, enthusiasm and expertise in patent litigation at EIP inspired me and motivated me from day one. I was immediately involved in everything and learnt a great deal – and so the path to partnership was a natural one.
Patent litigation in Germany has its own distinct character — and the arrival of the UPC has reshaped the landscape again. What makes building a litigation career here different, and how has the UPC changed what the journey to Partner looks like?
It's great that, with the launch of the UPC, we were all able to start at the same time.
It was uncharted territory for everyone – something you can use to your advantage as a young lawyer. Of course, this has made the advisory work more complex, as you always have to take multiple jurisdictions and their pros and cons into account when planning your strategy – but that makes it even more exciting.
Much of your work has been in complex, high-stakes infringement proceedings — often coordinating parallel national and UPC actions. What did stepping up to cases of that scale teach you, and how did they shape the lawyer you've become?
Especially when you’re up against several big law firms with huge teams of attorneys and, as always, tight deadlines are looming, it’s important to stay calm, keep a clear head and remember (a German saying): “they’re all just cooking with water”.
What's the most valuable thing you learned on the way to Partner that you wish someone had told you earlier in your career?
What I learned is that people connect with authenticity. The most effective business development and leadership come from leaning into your own strengths and trusting them.
Who or what made the difference for you along the way, and how has that shaped the kind of colleague and mentor you try to be now?
I’ve been with EIP for over 12 years now. There are people at the firm who’ve been with me since day one, and of course we’ve said goodbye to people from time to time over the years.
Perseverance, consistency, reliability, and dedication are important values to me.
Even when things get challenging once in a while, that is what I try to convey and pass on.
How did your perspective shift once you made Partner, and what do you find most rewarding about the role today — whether that's leading cases, developing clients, or bringing on the next generation?
I try not to lose sight of the perspective of someone who isn't a partner. I find the most rewarding to be a mix of all of that. It's nice to be able to pass something on while continuing to development yourself.
For people who are working towards Partner, what's the one piece of advice you'd pass on?
Stay authentic, trust yourself, and don't forget to have a personal life, too.
Really useful guide, thank you. I've been to INTA a few times now and the hotel recommendation is spot on — book early or you'll be paying a premium for something much further away.