Carpmaels & Ransford, Litigation Paralegal

We are a leading European intellectual property firm, advising some of the world's most innovative and successful companies. Together, we help to improve lives by supporting innovation. We hire talented and passionate people who think creatively and enjoy a challenge. Working collaboratively, we share our knowledge and experience across teams, actively learning from each other in a friendly and sociable environment. We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity of thought is vital to our business; it's how we approach challenges differently and offer our clients creative and original solutions. Through our work with organisations such as IP Inclusive, Stonewall and Business in the Community via the Race at Work Charter, we are putting the right steps in place to make sure that all our people feel supported and empowered to be themselves. Further information on our commitment to diversity and inclusion is available on our website.

A healthy work/life balance is very important to us, and we run regular wellbeing events in addition to the large number of clubs and social activities that are available to everyone at the firm. We are also enthusiastic supporters of our local community through partnerships with the Social Mobility Foundation and Holborn Community Association.

The role involves working within the Litigation / Dispute Resolution team, with a particular focus on patents and trademarks, providing support to the litigation team. This position will report to our Litigation Paralegal Manager.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Research into specific areas of patent and/or trademark litigation and case law, primarily in the UK but also throughout the EU from time to time.
• Assisting with the preparation of evidence and exhibits.
• Assisting with document disclosure review tasks.
• Preparation of bundles for internal and external use (both electronic and paper).
• Preparation of materials for use at Court hearings in accordance with relevant practice guide.
• Providing support for and attendance at Court during hearings including trials.
• Providing assistance with filing pleadings and case related documents on iManage and maintaining matter space as litigation progresses.
• Providing assistance and support with business development initiatives.
• Interaction with all fee earners within the group, to include integration into case specific teams in the run up to trial.
• In due course, assisting with the preparation of precedents and templates and/or the regular dissemination of key case law / practice direction updates to the litigation team.
• Working alongside patent attorneys and litigators in unique and fully integrated case teams.

Skills And Experience We're Looking For:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Demonstrable paralegal/legal experience is helpful, ideally in active litigation cases and patents in particular.
• Knowledge of IP litigation, in particular patents and trademarks, and the various forums, such as but not limited to the High Court, the Court of Appeal, the EPO and/or the UKIPO.

Person Specification:

• Team player.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Organised, diligent and methodical with attention to detail.
• Recognises the importance of and can meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
• A self-starter with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Previous experience of patents would be highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with employees at all levels within the firm and across all Practice Groups and business support areas.
• Extensive IT abilities, to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel (intermediate level), Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams) and ability to learn and use legal databases as required.
• Must be flexible as working outside core office hours may be required at short notice.

The recruitment process includes a welcoming two-way interview process, where there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the opportunity and to discover more about life at the firm. Typically, there will be a two-stage interview process where you will meet our Litigation Paralegal Manager and members of the wider DR team. Role-related written exercises will also be included during the interview process.

What we offer:

• 25 days' holiday, increasing by 1 day per year up to our maximum of 28 days.
• Employer pension contribution of 5% in your first year, with a minimum 3% employee contribution, increasing to 10% employer contribution after one year's service.
• Holiday buy scheme, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
• Holiday bonus, starting at £400 per year, increasing each year up to a maximum of £2,000.
• Private medical insurance via Bupa, where you'll be eligible to join the month following your start date.
• Free confidential access to 24/7 medical, mental, legal and financial wellbeing support via Health Assured and WeCare from your first day of employment.
• Access to internal Mental Health First Aiders.
• Life assurance of 4x your base salary.
• Income protection, with cover for up to 5 years and compensating for up to 75% of your base salary.
• Cycle2Work scheme.
• Season ticket loan.
• Access to Payroll Giving or Give As You Earn (GAYE).
• 1 paid volunteer day per year.

We are proud of our inclusive culture where individual differences are celebrated, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants. We do not tolerate discrimination either directly or indirectly on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, pregnancy and maternity, or any other characteristic protected by law.