At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage diverse contentious IP matters and run complex litigation independently.
- Company: Join a tech-driven, agile law firm with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 33 days holiday, private healthcare, and flexible remote work.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-profile cases while utilising cutting-edge legal technology.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years PQE in contentious IP disputes and strong client management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a talented and driven Senior Contentious IP Solicitor (8-10 years minimum 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 8-10 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. 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
Senior Contentious IP Solicitor (8-10 years minimum PQE) in Guildford employer: Harper James
Contact Detail:
Harper James Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contentious IP Solicitor (8-10 years minimum PQE) in Guildford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have a lead on your next big opportunity.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with contentious IP matters. Share specific examples of cases you've managed and how you’ve navigated complex litigation. This will show them you’re the real deal!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in managing diverse IP disputes. Confidence is key, so practice your pitch until it feels natural!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our firm.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contentious IP Solicitor (8-10 years minimum PQE) in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in contentious IP disputes. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about joining our team and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Senior Contentious IP Solicitor role.
Showcase Your Client Management Skills: We value excellent client management skills, so be sure to include examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients in your previous roles. This will help us see your commercial attitude in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our dynamic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harper James
✨Know Your IP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of contentious IP matters, especially those relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with patent infringement, copyright disputes, and alternative dispute resolution methods. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights to share.
✨Showcase Your Litigation Experience
Highlight your experience managing complex litigation cases, particularly in the IPEC and High Court. Prepare specific examples of cases you've handled from start to finish, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability to manage a diverse caseload independently.
✨Demonstrate Client Management Skills
Be ready to discuss how you build and maintain strong relationships with clients. Share examples of how you’ve provided pragmatic advice that aligns with client objectives. This is crucial for a role that involves advising a range of clients from start-ups to established businesses.
✨Embrace Technology and Adaptability
Since Harper James is a tech-driven firm, express your enthusiasm for using legal technology and AI tools. Talk about your experience with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint, and how you’ve used these tools to enhance efficiency in your previous roles. Showing that you’re adaptable and eager to learn new systems will set you apart.