JOB TITLE: Associate (4 to 7PQE)
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 candidate with between 4 and 7 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
- Draft and review legal documents related to trade mark registration, licensing, and enforcement
- 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
- Detailed understanding of copyright law
- Ensure compliance with trade mark laws and manage the renewal of trade marks
- 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