At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global brand protection and drive IP strategy for a renowned brand.
- Company: Join Dr. Martens, a global icon with a rich heritage and vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous discounts, pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse thinkers and bold doers in a values-driven workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on brand protection and consumer experience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified solicitor with strong IP and brand protection experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Dr. Martens is more than a brand - it’s a global icon with over 60 years of attitude, heritage, and cultural impact. We’re a thriving, values‑driven business powered by diverse thinkers, bold doers, and people who bring their whole selves to work. If you’re ready to make your mark, you’re in the right place. At DM, our values guide everything we do: Be Yourself, Act Courageously, Show You Care. They’re not just words - they’re how we turn passion into progress.
As our Legal Counsel – IP, you’ll be part of the Legal team working closely with brilliant people across the business. You’ll be right at the heart of fast‑moving projects that shape how we show up for our consumers - today and tomorrow.
This role plays a pivotal part in driving our consumer centric strategy. Everything you do will help elevate the DM experience - whether you’re enabling teams, improving processes, influencing decision making, or crafting moments that matter for our consumers around the globe. You’ll help us push boundaries, raise the bar, and keep the spirit of DM alive in everything we deliver.
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Brand protection leadership: Lead global brand protection strategy (online/offline), manage team and vendors, and oversee enforcement against counterfeits and lookalikes across key marketplaces, platforms and social media.
- IP advisory & enforcement: Assess risks in new markets, support trademark strategy, handle IP contract work (T&Cs, distribution, settlements), and collaborate on disputes and enforcement with internal teams and external counsel.
- Strategic insight & governance: Drive alignment of IP strategy with business growth, maintain stakeholder relationships (e.g. ACG), monitor legal/industry developments, and ensure robust reporting and knowledge‑sharing across the IP team.
KEY SKILLS & CAPABILITIES
- Qualified IP lawyer: UK‑qualified solicitor PQE, strong contentious IP and brand protection experience, and capability in contract drafting (T&Cs, settlement agreements); postgraduate IP and in‑house experience desirable.
- Technical & commercial expertise: Deep knowledge of trade marks, trade dress, copyright/design rights and online enforcement; able to translate IP risks into practical, commercially aligned actions that protect brand value.
- Influential & delivery-focused: Strong stakeholder management, programme delivery and process discipline, with clear communication and training skills, and a global, multi‑jurisdictional mindset.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Hybrid working
- Welcome free pair of Docs
- Share scheme
- 65% off all Docs
- 50% off Accessories
- Pension Scheme through Aviva
- Life Assurance
- 25 Days Annual Leave +
Legal Counsel – IP - Fixed Term - Maternity in London employer: Dr. Martens
At Dr. Martens, we pride ourselves on being a values-driven employer that champions diversity and encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work. As a Legal Counsel – IP, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our global brand strategy, all while enjoying a hybrid working model, generous discounts, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel – IP - Fixed Term - Maternity in London
✨Get Involved in Legal Networking Events
Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Dr. Martens.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Dr. Martens does!
✨Tap into Law School Resources
If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!
✨Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards
Regularly check specialised legal job boards like LawCareers.Net or TotallyLegal for temporary listings. Many firms post their openings directly there, and applying quickly can give you an edge over the competition when looking to join a prestigious firm like Dr. Martens.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel – IP - Fixed Term - Maternity in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.
Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!
Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Dr. Martens and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dr. Martens
✨Show Off Your Legal Know-How
Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Legal Counsel – IP - Fixed Term - Maternity role at Dr. Martens. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.
✨Talk About Your Flexibility
Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.
✨Prepare for the Casework Challenge
You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.
✨Pitch Your Legal Portfolio
If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Dr. Martens.
