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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support attorneys with administrative tasks in a leading intellectual property firm.
- Company: Pioneering European intellectual property firm with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: 12-month fixed term contract with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in managing intellectual property for world-class brands.
- Qualifications: Previous office experience as a Patent Secretary or similar role required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Company
Our client is a full-service European intellectual property firm at the forefront of a rapidly changing IP landscape. As a trusted adviser to many world-class companies and brands, the firm has been regarded as a pioneer in handling intellectual property for over 200 years. It offers a truly integrated service, managing clients' intellectual property from inception to commercialisation, enforcement, litigation, and defence.
On behalf of our client, we are seeking a Patent Secretary on a 12 month fixed term contract to support attorneys within a leading intellectual property practice. The patent support function is instrumental to the business, ensuring attorneys and clients receive high-quality administrative and organisational assistance. In this role, you will provide full PA and administrative support to approximately six fee earners within their Chemistry team.
- Provide comprehensive diary management, including scheduling and coordinating in-person and virtual meetings, preparing relevant papers and presentations, and managing all associated logistics such as room bookings, refreshments, and liaison with internal teams.
- Manage extensive international travel itineraries, coordinating flights, accommodation, and schedules.
- Prepare invoices by reviewing and editing narratives, verifying client details, receiving unbilled WIP lists, and liaising with the accounts team as required.
- Prepare standard reporting letters proactively with minimal supervision.
- Manage files, including liaising with records teams to open new cases, update special instructions, scan documents, and manage case files via the document management system.
Previous relevant office experience as a Patent Secretary, Patent Administrator, or Legal Secretary within an intellectual property or legal team.
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
The Contract:
- 12 month fixed term contract.
- Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to 28 days.
- Employer pension contribution of 5% in the first year, increasing to 10% after one year's service.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life assurance of 4x base salary.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Season-ticket loan.
Client Services Secretary employer: Alexander Mae (Bristol) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Alexander Mae (Bristol) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Services Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they operate, so you can tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar names when we’re reviewing candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Client Services Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Patent Secretary. Highlight relevant experience, especially in administrative support and diary management, as these are key for us in this position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific skills that align with the job description, like managing international travel itineraries or preparing invoices.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: In your application, give examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. We love seeing candidates who can juggle responsibilities like scheduling meetings and managing case files efficiently.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mae (Bristol) Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of intellectual property and the specific role of a Patent Secretary. Brush up on relevant terminology and processes, as this will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your organisational abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex schedules, coordinated travel, or handled multiple tasks simultaneously. This is crucial for a role that demands high-quality administrative support.
✨Be Proactive in Your Approach
During the interview, demonstrate your proactive nature by discussing how you anticipate needs before they arise. Share instances where you took the initiative to streamline processes or improve efficiency in your previous roles, especially in a legal or IP context.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s approach to client services and how the Chemistry team operates. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values and work style.