Associate or Senior Associate – Intellectual Property

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.

Why Markel Law? 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.

What You’ll Enjoy at Markel: 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).
• 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 happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns. 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. 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.