At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex IP matters and mentor junior lawyers while driving team growth.
- Company: Join Markel Law, a people-first, award-winning legal business with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private medical care, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative team and shape the future of IP.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with strong experience in intellectual property and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Shape the future of IP at a people first, award winning legal business. Markel Law is growing – fast. With ambitious plans to expand our Commercial Services team, we’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded Senior Associate specialising in Intellectual Property to join us in Manchester and help drive the next phase of our journey.
If you’re motivated by meaningful work, high quality clients, autonomy, and the chance to influence how a team evolves, this is an opportunity to make your mark.
At Markel, people come first. It’s who we are – a Fortune 500 group with over 60 offices worldwide, but with a culture rooted in relationships, not hierarchy. Markel Law is an SRA regulated legal business providing specialist services to both insured and non insured clients. Our teams support businesses, high net worth individuals and organisations across the UK with expert, commercially focused legal advice.
You’ll join a collaborative Commercial Services team that advises on key areas businesses navigate every day – commercial contracts, data protection, corporate, property and, of course, intellectual property. With three fee earners today and plans to more than double in size, now is the time to get involved and help shape our future.
The Opportunity:As Senior Associate – Intellectual Property, you will:
- Lead on complex IP matters, including licensing, assignments, copyright and trademark issues, brand protection and dispute management
- Provide strategic IP advice to a wide range of clients across varied sectors
- Mentor and develop junior lawyers within the team
- Work closely with the Head of Commercial on critical initiatives and team development
- Support business growth by finding opportunities, developing relationships and contributing to marketing and thought‐leadership activity
- Play an active role in enhancing our advice line and Business Hub content
- Influence process improvements and the development of tools, templates and automated solutions to deliver best‐in‐class legal services
This is a role where your expertise won’t just be used – it will be valued, visible and make a genuine difference.
What You’ll Bring:We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and elevate our IP capability. You’ll be:
- A qualified solicitor with strong PQE in intellectual property
- Technically excellent with deep knowledge of IP rights, licensing and enforcement
- Skilled in managing complex cases and producing high‐quality, commercially focused advice
- A confident communicator with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships
- Commercially aware, proactive and willing to identify and pursue opportunities for growth
- Someone who enjoys collaboration and mentoring, and thrives in an environment where ideas are encouraged and innovation is welcomed
Our people‐first culture means we focus on what really matters: wellbeing, balance and development. You’ll benefit from:
- Competitive salary + annual bonus
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (with buy/sell options)
- Private medical, dental, life assurance, income protection & travel insurance
- Excellent pension scheme
- Genuine work–life balance
- A supportive, inclusive environment where your voice is heard
- High‐quality learning, development and leadership programmes
- The chance to shape the growth of a nationally recognised legal team
We are proud to be Disability Confident Committed and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments at any stage, we’re here to help.
If you’re a senior IP specialist looking for a role where you can contribute strategically, help grow a team, and deliver work that genuinely matters, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us protect what matters most.
At Markel, we are all about the people, celebrating the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns.
We will ensure that individuals are provided with any reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed, including alternative formats of documents or information on how to apply offline.
Senior Associate – Intellectual Property in Manchester employer: Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, employees are supported in their professional journey while working in a collaborative environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Intellectual Property in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
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 current employees at Markel Law. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your past experiences with IP matters in detail during interviews. Bring examples of how you've tackled complex cases or mentored junior lawyers. This is your chance to shine and show how you can elevate Markel's IP capability.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Research Markel Law’s recent projects and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Bring ideas to the table during interviews about how you can help enhance their advice line or develop new tools. They love innovation!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your commercial awareness and collaborative spirit!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Intellectual Property in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Associate role. Highlight your expertise in intellectual property and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to lead complex IP matters.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for IP law and how you can contribute to our team at Markel. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've influenced team growth or improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a confident communicator, it's essential to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to convey your ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel Corporation
✨Know Your IP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of intellectual property rights, licensing, and enforcement. Be prepared to discuss complex cases you've managed and how your advice has made a difference for clients. This will show that you're not just technically excellent but also commercially minded.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior lawyers, think of examples where you've successfully guided others. Share specific instances where your mentorship led to positive outcomes. This will highlight your collaborative spirit and ability to develop talent within the team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you've identified growth opportunities in previous roles. Think about how you can contribute to Markel's business growth and share ideas on developing relationships with clients. This will show that you're proactive and aligned with their people-first culture.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have thoughtful questions ready that reflect your interest in the team's development and the company's future. Ask about their plans for expanding the Commercial Services team or how they envision the role evolving. This shows you're genuinely interested in contributing to their journey.
