IP Solicitor (6-10 years minimum PQE)

We are seeking a talented and driven IP Solicitor (circa 6–10 years’ PQE) to join our growing IP & Brand Protection team at Harper James. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing IP practice within a forward‑thinking, tech‑enabled law firm. The role offers exposure to a broad mix of contentious and non‑contentious intellectual property work, with a particular focus on IP disputes and brand enforcement, alongside advisory and (for the right candidate) commercial IP matters.

The successful candidate will play an important role in the continued growth of the IP & Brand Protection team and will have the opportunity to take real ownership of matters and client relationships.

What you'll be doing

You will have day‑to‑day responsibility for managing a varied range of IP matters, with a strong focus on contentious IP and brand protection work. Your work will include:

• Managing a range of IP disputes, including trade mark infringement, passing off, copyright and design rights claims
• Advising on brand enforcement strategies, including pre‑action strategy, settlement discussions and alternative dispute resolution
• Handling domain name disputes and online brand protection issues
• Advising on breach of confidential information and trade secrets disputes
• Supporting clients on IP strategy and enforcement, helping them protect and defend their intellectual property rights

Alongside disputes work, you will also have the opportunity to advise on a range of non‑contentious IP matters, including:

• IP licences and assignments
• IP ownership and exploitation issues
• Supporting clients with wider brand management and IP protection strategies

Clients range from innovative start‑ups to established national and international businesses. You will work closely with colleagues across the IP & Brand Protection team, including trade mark specialists, to provide clients with integrated advice on protecting, managing and enforcing their intellectual property.

The opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to help build a broad IP practice within a supportive and collaborative team. The successful candidate will play an important part in the continued growth of the firm’s IP & Brand Protection offering, working across disputes, advisory work and brand management matters.

Why join Harper James

Harper James is a modern, technology‑enabled law firm focused on supporting entrepreneurial businesses. Our clients range from innovative start‑ups to established national and international companies, providing exposure to a wide variety of interesting and commercially focused work. The IP & Brand Protection team is an expanding area of the firm, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to help shape the development of the practice while working closely with colleagues across trade marks, disputes and non-contentious advisory work.

What we're looking for:

• Circa 6–10 years’ PQE as a qualified solicitor with experience in intellectual property matters
• Strong experience handling contentious IP matters, particularly trade mark and copyright disputes
• Experience managing matters from pre‑action through to settlement or formal proceedings where appropriate
• An interest in developing a broad IP practice, combining disputes, advisory work and brand protection matters
• Strong technical skills and the ability to manage matters with appropriate supervision
• Excellent client relationship skills and a collaborative approach to working with colleagues
• A commercial mindset, providing pragmatic advice focused on achieving client objectives
• An appetite for continuous learning, business development and contributing to the continued growth of the IP & Brand Protection team

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.