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- Tasks: Manage trade mark prosecution and advise on IP-related agreements and commercial contracts.
- Company: Established law firm with a strong commercial practice in the South of England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 26+ days leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make an impact in intellectual property and commercial law.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in IP and commercial law, with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established law firm in the South of England, recognised for its strong commercial practice. Its Commercial team is one of the most sizeable and experienced in the region and continues to grow in response to client demand.
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking to expand its Commercial team with the appointment of a Senior Associate. This role will focus on a mix of intellectual property and broader commercial matters, with particular responsibility for:
- Intellectual property work, including responsibility for the firm’s in-house international trade mark function;
- Commercial matters with a strong IP element, including complex IP-driven agreements.
The position can be based in Southampton, Winchester or Bournemouth.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing the full lifecycle of trade mark prosecution, including drafting and filing applications, handling examination and publication stages through to registration, and dealing with oppositions and appeals on behalf of both applicants and opponents.
- Working confidently with the UK and EU Intellectual Property Offices and navigating their procedures and online systems.
- Supervising a CITMA-qualified trade mark paralegal as part of the firm’s in-house trade mark service.
- Drafting and negotiating a wide range of IP-related agreements, including licences, assignments and ownership arrangements, and advising early-stage businesses on protecting and exploiting their IP assets.
- Preparing, reviewing and advising on commercial and IT contracts, such as software licences (on-premise and SaaS), IT support and maintenance agreements, systems integration contracts, distribution and agency agreements, franchise arrangements and general services agreements.
- Advising on trade marks, designs and copyright, with a working understanding of patents.
- Supporting IP-related disputes, including advising on prospects of success and working alongside the dispute resolution team on pleadings, counsel liaison and settlement documentation.
- Contributing to business development initiatives and helping to generate new instructions.
- Supporting and mentoring junior members of the team and contributing to their ongoing development.
Candidate Profile
- Typically around 5+ years’ PQE, although flexibility may be considered for a candidate with the right experience. Regular involvement in IP work is essential.
- Experience of handling international trade mark matters (including pre-Brexit work) would be advantageous, demonstrating the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong grounding in commercial law with particular strength in IP matters.
- Proven experience of IP dispute work.
- Commercially astute with the ability to provide practical, client-focused advice.
- In-depth experience of trade mark prosecution.
- Confidence in negotiating and drafting a broad range of IP agreements.
- Willingness to contribute to business development, including writing articles, presenting seminars and delivering training.
Salary & Benefits
In addition to a competitive salary, our client offers a comprehensive benefits package.
- Salary Remuneration is set at a level that reflects experience, practice area and location. Independent market data is used to ensure salaries remain competitive and aligned with the wider market.
- Performance-related bonus: Our client operates a performance-focused culture. Where individual and firm performance criteria are met, eligible employees may receive a discretionary bonus in addition to base salary.
Benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave, increasing by one day for each year of service up to a maximum of 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme participation
- Private medical insurance (subject to eligibility)
- Group income protection (subject to eligibility)
- Life assurance
- Personal accident insurance
- Reduced fees on legal services
- Online shopping discounts through a staff benefits platform
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of employees is a key priority. Support includes:
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Health assessments (subject to eligibility)
- An annual wellbeing-focused initiative
- Seasonal flu vaccinations
- Eye care vouchers
- Financial wellbeing support, including access to professional financial advice
- Employee Assistance Programme
You will be part of a collaborative team of driven, approachable and supportive professionals, all committed to helping one another develop and succeed.
Our client places real importance on maintaining a healthy work–life balance and has a range of initiatives designed to support this. These include mentoring opportunities, wellbeing programmes and regular social events.
An open and inclusive culture is actively promoted, creating an environment where individuals are encouraged to contribute, grow and thrive.
All three offices are centrally located in their respective cities, with easy access to mainline train stations, shops and green spaces. Bournemouth offers its famous pier and miles of sandy coastline, Winchester is known for its historic cathedral and riverside setting, and Southampton is home to a vibrant port, with the office just a short walk away.
Senior Associate - Commercial & IP employer: Venture Recruitment Partners
Contact Detail:
Venture Recruitment Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Commercial & IP
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field, especially those who work in commercial and IP law. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent cases. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work. Bring your A-game with examples of how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in IP and commercial matters.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We’ve got all the resources you need to make your application stand out. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Let’s get you that Senior Associate position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Commercial & IP
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in intellectual property and commercial law. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this Senior Associate role. Share specific examples of your past work, especially in IP matters, and show us your passion for the field.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s successful trade mark registrations or complex agreements you’ve negotiated, we love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venture Recruitment Partners
✨Know Your IP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your intellectual property knowledge, especially around trade marks and agreements. Be prepared to discuss specific cases or experiences where you've successfully managed IP matters, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Since the role involves a strong commercial element, think about how you can demonstrate your understanding of commercial law. Prepare examples of complex agreements you've drafted or negotiated, and be ready to explain how you provided practical, client-focused advice in those situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle IP disputes. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would approach them, showcasing your strategic thinking and negotiation skills.
✨Engage with Business Development Ideas
The firm values contributions to business development, so come armed with ideas on how you could help generate new instructions. Whether it's writing articles or presenting seminars, showing your enthusiasm for contributing to the firm's growth will set you apart from other candidates.
