Contentious IP Solicitor (4 years+ PQE) in Guildford

We are seeking a talented and driven Contentious IP Solicitor (4 years+ PQE) to join our dynamic and fast-growing Commercial Litigation team at Harper James. With a varied and high-quality caseload, this is an excellent opportunity for a solicitor eager to take their career to the next level in a forward-thinking, tech-enabled law firm.

What You'll Be Doing:

You will have day-to-day responsibility for managing a diverse range of contentious IP matters across the full spectrum of intellectual property rights. You’ll have demonstrable experience of independently running complex litigation before the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC), the High Court, and via various forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation, expert determination and arbitration.

You will handle disputes including, but not limited to:

• Patent infringement and validity claims
• Copyright and design rights disputes
• Trade mark infringement and passing off actions
• Database rights and trade secret misappropriation
• Breach of confidential information claims
• Domain name disputes, including recovery and enforcement procedures
• Patent entitlement and ownership disputes

Clients range from innovative start-ups to established national and international businesses, offering you a rewarding opportunity to advise on high-profile cases and work with our specialist Trade Mark team to contribute to strategic IP management and enforcement.

Wider Litigation Team Opportunities:

As part of the Commercial Litigation team, you may also undertake general contractual and commercial disputes. Adaptability and a broad commercial outlook are advantageous, and we welcome applicants with wider contentious experience.

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum of 4 years’ PQE as a qualified solicitor with a clear focus on contentious IP disputes.
• Sound knowledge of practice and procedure before the IPEC and High Court.
• Experience of all forms of dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
• Proven ability to manage caseloads independently, from pre-action correspondence through to trial/hearing and settlement.
• Excellent client management skills with the confidence to build and nurture strong working relationships.
• Truly commercial attitude, providing realistic and pragmatic advice focused on achieving client objectives.
• An appetite for continuous learning, business development, and contributing to our team’s ongoing success.

The Harper James Difference:

We are a tech-driven, agile law firm – our lawyers are empowered with cutting-edge legal technology to maximise efficiency, productivity and work‑life balance. We welcome proactive, self‑motivated solicitors who thrive in a modern workplace and are passionate about delivering exceptional client service.

Ready To Apply?

If you’re ready to join a forward-thinking firm and play a key role in our contentious IP practice, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your experience and interest in this role.

You’ll excel as part of the HJ team if you:

• Are a quick learner, ready to adapt to new systems and technologies with enthusiasm.
• Are excited about adopting and using AI tools to boost efficiency and productivity.
• Have a solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365 products (eg. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Can confidently navigate SharePoint to manage and collaborate on projects.
• Have a keen eye for detail when drafting documents, ensuring consistency and professionalism.

The bottom line:

This is an opportunity to play an important part in the growth of the business, with a great team of people who all play a fundamental part in the success and continued growth of the business. An environment with no politics and no bureaucracy.

Competitive salary and bonus. 33 days holiday, including public holidays. Option to buy up to 5 holiday days a year. Private Healthcare. Death in service benefit. Access to our electric car scheme. Flexible working as part of a fully remote but collaborative team.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE