At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex IP matters and provide strategic advice to diverse clients.
- Company: Join Markel Law, an award-winning legal business with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing 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 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Manchester | Full time | Permanent
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)
- Private medical, dental, life assurance, income protection
Senior Associate – Intellectual Property employer: Markel
Markel is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a fantastic pension scheme and health coverage. With a strong commitment to diversity and employee growth, Markel fosters a culture that encourages professional development and values contributions from all backgrounds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Intellectual Property
✨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. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in intellectual property. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex IP matters and the impact of your work. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about how you can demonstrate your commercial awareness and ability to mentor others. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in joining Markel Law and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Intellectual Property
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Associate role. Highlight your experience in intellectual property and any relevant achievements that showcase your skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about IP and how your background aligns with our people-first culture. Let us know what excites you about joining Markel Law.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness:In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the commercial aspects of IP law. We’re looking for someone who can not only manage complex cases but also identify growth opportunities for our clients and the firm.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of your journey with us at Markel Law!
How to prepare for a job interview at Markel
✨Know Your IP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your intellectual property knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss complex IP matters like licensing, copyright, and trademark issues. This will show that you're not just technically excellent but also genuinely passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Mindset
Markel Law is looking for someone who can provide commercially focused advice. Prepare examples of how you've identified growth opportunities in previous roles or how you've contributed to business development. This will demonstrate your ability to think strategically and add value to the team.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Mentoring
Since the role involves mentoring junior lawyers, be ready to share your experiences in developing others. Talk about how you've fostered collaboration in past teams and how you can contribute to a positive team culture at Markel Law.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions. Ask about the team's vision for growth, how they support professional development, or what innovations they're excited about. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
