Associate/Managing Associate (4-8 PQE) – IP - Patent Litigation in London

Mishcon's Patents team sits within our broader IP Group and is at the centre of Mishcon's Innovation Department, catering to evolving and dynamic clients in the innovation economy. We act for clients from technology multinationals, through fast-growth, venture-backed and owner-managed businesses, to individuals driven by great ideas, wanting to shape a better world. We have deep experience in a wide array of technological sectors including pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, chemicals, mechanical, software, AI cryptography, telecoms, engineering and automotive.

As one of only a small number of UK law firms with full-service patent expertise, our integrated Patents group comprises patent attorneys, patent litigators and transactional experts. We advise on all aspects of the patent life cycle, including: patent strategy and pre-filing advice, patent drafting and prosecution, contentious proceedings before the patent offices (including oppositions before the EPO), freedom to operate advice and analysis, patent challenge and enforcement litigation (both in the UK Patents Court and the Unified Patent Court), and multi-jurisdictional patent strategies.

We are regularly instructed in high-stakes and complex patent litigation and enforcement work, including groundbreaking cases before the UK and EU Courts, and as representatives on several UPC cases. Example cases in recent years include: Dr Reddy's v. Warner Lambert, DISH v Aylo, Lupin v. Gilead, Dr Reddy's v Bayer, Zentiva v Novartis, Sky v. SkyKick, Nintendo v. Sky, Iceland v. Iceland and Thom Browne v adidas.

The Mishcon Patent team is one of the fastest growing practices in the UK legal sector - the team is busy and ambitious to grow further. Much of the team's current practice falls within the pharmaceutical, electro-mechanical and software sectors and, with both new and prospective client wins, the team is looking to bolster and enhance its expertise in this area of litigation.

The opportunity is one with significant developmental and progression prospects. The incoming candidate will have strong patent credentials and be willing to embed themselves within the existing, fast-paced practice and to support our growth and development plans. The incoming candidate would be expected to support and mentor more junior members of the team as well as have the experience and confidence to work with high levels of autonomy.

The role will primarily involve advising on a varied range of disputes and related advisory work concerning patents (including in relation to SPCs, FRAND disputes and freedom to operate) in the High Court, IPEC and the UPC. On occasion, the team's work also involves advising on commercial disputes, to which there will be an IP angle, although the actual claim may be in contract, fraud or tort, such as licensing disputes. You will have every opportunity to engage in all aspects of the life and business of the IP team, the wider Innovation Department and the Firm, ranging from business development, client care, training and learning, through to social impact, health and well-being projects. Our Associates and Managing Associates are never "too junior" to take on leadership roles.

The ideal candidate will have 4-8 years PQE gained within contentious IP, within private practice. The suitable candidate will be a subject matter specialist in patent litigation, with a substantive understanding across the IP disciplines and procedural knowledge (with strong 'White Book' experience). A passion for Patent Litigation, with a solid grounding in its basics, and a commitment to building a career in Patent Litigation and IP at Mishcon. A science background is preferred but not essential. At all times, to exercise excellent client care skills by advocating for clients from both a technical and commercial perspective, ensuring their best interests are prioritised while understanding the current and future landscape. Excellent written and interpersonal skills. Able to manage a diverse portfolio of client work allocated by the partners and other fee-earners. Able to work independently and manage a varied workload, ensuring excellent communication lines with Matter Partners and other fee-earners in the team. Excellent team working skills. Strong organisational and prioritising skills to meet the demands of challenging and commercial internal and external clients and competing priorities. Personable and confident, able to ensure good working relationships with colleagues, clients and external organisations. Resilient and calm under pressure. Able to work independently and as part of a team. Demonstrates a hunger to undertake business development activities, both internally amongst colleagues across the firm, and externally to existing and potential new clients. Takes responsibility for and attends to self-development. Undertaken the Oxford IP Diploma or an interest in doing so.

Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.

Mishcon de Reya is an independent law firm, which now employs over 1400 people with more than 650 lawyers offering a wide range of legal services to companies and individuals. The firm has grown rapidly in recent years, showing more than 40% revenue growth in the past five years alone. With presence in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore and Hong Kong, the firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply. The work the firm undertakes is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, centred around three increasingly entwined and connected sectors: the Innovation Economy, Private Wealth and Capital, and Real Estate. The firm is known as a disputes powerhouse with a formidable capacity firmwide for dispute resolution. We strive to create a fully diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We are proud of our agile working culture and are always happy to talk flexible working.