At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage trade mark portfolios and advise on IP and commercial law.
- Company: Award-winning law firm with a strong reputation and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for networking and mentoring within a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse range of sectors while advancing your legal career.
- Qualifications: 4+ years PQE in commercial law with strong IP expertise.
Job Title: Senior Associate – Commercial & IP
Location: Winchester, Southampton or Bournemouth
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000
PQE: 4+ years
Permanent / Full-time or Part-Time Hours considered
Chalk Hill Group are partnering with a highly regarded, award winning, full-service law firm with a strong reputation across the South Coast. Renowned for delivering high-quality legal advice to businesses, organisations and private individuals, the firm combines technical excellence with a collaborative and people-focused culture. With a diverse client base ranging from start-ups and owner-managed businesses to national and international organisations, it offers lawyers access to complex, high-quality work alongside genuine opportunities for career progression and professional development.
The Role & Key Responsibilities
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Solicitor with strong Intellectual Property expertise to join a highly regarded Commercial team. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing the firm's IP offering, taking responsibility for a broad range of trade mark and commercial matters while working alongside an established and collaborative team.
The position can be based in Southampton, Winchester or Bournemouth, with both full-time and part-time (three days per week or more) applications welcomed.
You will advise clients across a diverse range of sectors on all aspects of intellectual property and commercial law, with responsibilities including:
- Managing trade mark portfolios from application through to registration, including handling oppositions, appeals and ongoing portfolio management before the UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices.
- Supervising the firm's in-house trade mark practice and supporting a CITMA-qualified Trade Mark Paralegal.
- Drafting and negotiating a broad range of IP agreements, including licences, assignments, ownership arrangements and collaboration agreements.
- Advising start-ups, SMEs and established businesses on protecting and commercialising their intellectual property.
- Preparing and negotiating a wide variety of commercial agreements, including software licences (both on-premise and SaaS), IT support and maintenance agreements, systems integration agreements, distribution, agency, franchise and services agreements.
- Advising on all aspects of trade marks, copyright and design rights, with an understanding of patent-related issues.
- Supporting clients with contentious IP matters, working closely with the Dispute Resolution team on strategy, pleadings, settlement agreements and liaison with counsel.
- Playing an active role in business development, networking and the continued growth of the Commercial team.
- Mentoring and supporting junior lawyers as they develop their careers.
About You
Applications are welcomed from solicitors with around 4+ years' PQE, although candidates with slightly different levels of experience will also be considered where they can demonstrate strong technical expertise.
- Significant experience advising on intellectual property matters, particularly trade mark prosecution and portfolio management.
- Experience handling UK and EU trade mark work, with international trade mark experience viewed favourably.
- A strong grounding in commercial contracts and technology agreements.
- Experience negotiating and drafting a wide range of IP and commercial agreements.
- Knowledge of contentious IP matters and the ability to support dispute resolution work.
- Commercial awareness and a pragmatic, client-focused approach.
- A genuine interest in business development, including networking, presenting seminars, delivering training and producing thought leadership content.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues and clients alike.
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Senior Associate – Commercial & IP in Winchester employer: Chalk Hill Group
Chalk Hill Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bracknell's thriving healthcare sector. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive team culture, we provide our Helpdesk Administrators with opportunities to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact across multiple sites. Join us to be part of a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Commercial & IP in Winchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Commercial & IP in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Chalk Hill Group, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Chalk Hill Group and the specific role of Senior Associate – Commercial & IP. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Chalk Hill Group’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chalk Hill Group
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
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As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Chalk Hill Group.
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In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Chalk Hill Group.
