At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert advice on intellectual property rights and manage clients' portfolios.
- Company: Join Sheridans, a leading London law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-27 days of annual leave, private health coverage, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the exciting world of branding and intellectual property law.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor or trade mark attorney with up to 5 years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
GROUP: Branding
TERM: Permanent
HOURS: Full-time, 9:30am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday with one hour for lunch. A flexible approach to working hours is a must, overtime may be required at busy times. We currently operate a hybrid working policy with at least 3 days office working per week. Our hybrid working policy is discretionary and may be subject to change.
About Sheridans
Sheridans is a leading London law firm whose lawyers combine the in-depth legal knowledge and breadth of expertise and experience required to give unparalleled advice to their clients. Since 1956, Sheridans has represented individuals and organisations across a wide variety of sectors, providing quality advice which is commercially focussed and personally delivered. Specialist lawyers in leisure, media and entertainment work closely alongside the firm’s corporate finance, employment, real estate and dispute resolution groups to provide a truly bespoke service to its clients.
About the Team
Our Branding team consists of a partner leading the team, in addition to 3 associates, 1 trade mark attorney and 4 paralegals/trainee trade mark attorneys/trainees and supported by 1 personal assistant and 2 trade mark accountants. The team offer an exciting and fast-paced but supportive and collegiate working environment. The team is highly regarded and our experienced advertising and brand lawyers offer expert advice on the protection, promotion, exploitation and monetisation of content and brands. It has been an exciting year for the team, with continued growth and the recruitment of an IP solicitor and two Paralegals. We are seeking to enhance the firm’s offering within the UK and Europe with a further senior lawyer hire.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking a trademark attorney or IP solicitor, currently at Associate level to join Sheridans in London. We are interested in speaking to candidates with up to 5 years of post‑qualification experience. The successful individual will be experienced working with complex trade mark filings within the UK. Working alongside an existing Partner and experienced team, the individual will be supporting our European trade mark offering in the UK and Europe where need is increasing due to the demands of our clients.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert advice on intellectual property rights, with a focus on brand and brand protection. This would include providing expert advice on trade mark and design availability, registration, and protection strategies.
- Conduct comprehensive searches to determine the availability of trade marks and design rights assess potential conflicts.
- Oversee the preparation and filing of trade mark and design applications, both domestically and internationally.
- Manage and protect clients’ intellectual property portfolios, including trade marks, copyrights, and designs.
- Represent clients in negotiations and proceedings before trade mark offices and courts where necessary.
- Advise clients on the legal aspects of marketing new products and services, including brand development and protection.
- Ensure compliance with trade mark laws and manage the renewal of trade marks.
- Detailed understanding of copyright law.
- Proficient in dealing with IP disputes (at Sheridans we have a dedicated Dispute Resolution team with whom we work in conjunction).
- Understanding of strategies around anti‑counterfeit and online brand enforcement.
- Draft and review legal documents related to trade mark registration, licensing, and enforcement.
- Provide guidance, mentorship and supervision to more junior team members and Paralegals.
- Undertake marketing and business development activity to further the team and personal business and growth plan.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the Firm and the overall business needs.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
Skills & experience
- Relevant experience gained in a leading trade mark legal practice in London.
- Commercial awareness and negotiating skills.
- Interpersonal skills, to work as part of a team or with other people and organisations.
- The potential to lead and delegate responsibility.
- A professional approach to work, integrity and a respect for confidentiality.
- A methodical approach to work with a strong focus on accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with significant experience liaising with senior internal stakeholders and clients.
- Enthusiasm, resilience, and a professional approach, with an excellent client service ethic.
- Ability to liaise with, persuade and influence colleagues and clients at all levels.
- Ability to remain organised, prioritise and multi‑task particularly when managing a large workload under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Ability to work confidentially, remaining discreet at all times.
- Flexibility towards working out of regular hours at busy times.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from a well‑regarded university.
- Qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales and/or qualification as a UK trade mark attorney.
Equal Opportunities
Our aim is for all staff to feel welcomed at Sheridans and ultimately be their true self at work. We are proud to promote inclusion & diversity among clients, candidates, and staff as an equal opportunities employer. It is our policy to support people who hold Protected Characteristics (under the Equality Act 2010) both internally and externally through supporting practices based solely upon merit.
Benefits
- Holiday: Enjoy 25 or 27 days’ annual leave (role dependant) plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy extra days or earn more through Length of Service.
- Pension: Contribute 5% and we’ll add 6% QBE, with option to contribute through salary sacrifice or relief at source.
- Private Health: Receive comprehensive private medical coverage with one of the leading Healthcare Insurance scheme providers.
- Group Life Assurance: Four times your salary, paid to someone you choose, ensuring your loved ones are supported should the unexpected happen.
Associate employer: Sheridans
Sheridans is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, our hybrid working policy allows for flexibility while maintaining a collaborative team culture. We provide comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave, private health coverage, and opportunities for professional development, making Sheridans a rewarding place to advance your career in intellectual property law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Sheridans, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Sheridans, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Sheridans and the specific role of Associate. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Sheridans’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheridans
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Sheridans.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Sheridans.
