Associate - Intellectual Property

Whereby; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

White & Case in London seeks a qualified IP/tech contract lawyer at 3-5 PQE to join our fast-growing transactional IP, Tech & Commercial practice. You will advise on IP, IT and complex commercial agreements, including cross-border matters, and collaborate with teams in London and abroad.

The role emphasizes strong drafting, client relationship building and involvement in business development. A collaborative, ambitious team environment supports professional growth.

Qualifications

• England & Wales qualified lawyer with approximately 3-5 PQE.
• Strong experience in commercial contracts, ideally IP/tech matters, with exposure to M&A support.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Deep knowledge of IP and commercial contract law as it relates to corporate transactions and technology contracts.
• International experience or client secondment is a plus, but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on IP, IT, tech and commercial contract law across sectors.
• Advise on substantive non-contentious IP law issues.
• Draft and negotiate a range of technology and strategic commercial contracts (distribution, reseller, manufacturing, supply, R&D, outsourcing, transitional services).
• Identify IP risks on transactions and advise pragmatically.
• Manage complex IP matters with coordination across London and abroad.
• Support business development and build client relationships.

Skills

IP knowledge

Drafting skills

M&A support exposure

International experience

Commercial contracts

Education

Qualified lawyer - England & Wales

Job description

Our Intellectual Property (IP) Practice specializes in providing strategic legal services related to the protection, enforcement and commercialization of intellectual property rights. We provide specialized advice on a broad spectrum of IP matters, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and patent licensing agreements. Our team excels in developing and implementing IP strategies, conducting IP due diligence, and managing IP litigation and dispute resolution. In addition to these core services, we offer counsel on IP portfolio management, branding and the negotiation of technology transfer agreements. Leveraging our extensive expertise and global reach, we help clients safeguard their innovations, maximize the value of their IP assets and navigate the complexities of international IP law, ensuring competitive advantage in the market.

Are you ready to make your mark as part of our fast-growing transactional Intellectual Property, Tech & Commercial practice in London?

Our IP Group leads or supports complex, often international, transactions and undertakes other advisory IP, technology and strategic contracting work, collaborating closely with other teams in London and across our international offices. The range of work is varied and requires our associates to embrace different challenges, including the IP and technology law issues that arise on transactions (including M&A, joint ventures and carve-outs).

To thrive in this technically complex field, you will need to be a quick learner and be an enthusiastic contributor towards the continued growth and success of the practice. You will also need to demonstrate focus, energy and enthusiasm for the challenges of our work.

As a strong team player, you should also be motivated and excited by the many opportunities for learning and professional development that being part of a growing team at White & Case can offer you.

Key responsibilities

• Advise clients on a range of IP, IT, tech and commercial contract law issues across a variety of sectors.
• Advise clients on substantive non-contentious IP law issues.
• Draft and negotiate a variety of complex technology and other strategic commercial contracts (including distribution, reseller, manufacturing, supply, R&D, outsourcing and transitional services agreements).
• Identify IP risks on transactions, advise on them in a pragmatic, accessible way.
• Manage aspects of complex IP matters at an appropriate level, working efficiently and effectively alongside other members of the team and other specialists in London and abroad.
• Support business development activity, create and maintain strong client relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Build a strong network within White & Case in London and further afield and collaborate with colleagues in other teams, especially on transactions.
• Develop a good understanding of the Firm’s strategy and help build and develop client relationships to support the team’s growth.

Qualifications and Skills

• England & Wales (or other common law) qualified lawyer with approximately 3-5 PQE.
• Strong experience in commercial contracts, ideally but not essentially with an emphasis on IP and/or technology matters, and exposure to M&A support work
• Intellectual acumen and a strong academic record
• Excellent drafting skills
• A deep knowledge of IP and commercial contract law and how they relate to corporate transactions, strategic projects and technology contracts will be important for this role
• Positive role model for junior lawyers who is willing to share knowledge and contribute to their development
• Ambition to support the team with its growth plans and a sense of humour
• International experience or a client secondment a plus, but not essential.

This role reports to

Partner

Equal Opportunities

White & Case is committed to creating a fair workplace. It is our Firm’s policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you require assistance and/or adjustment to participate in our application and/or interview process, please email us. We will be happy to work with you.

The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

The above is only a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Our internal Recruitment team manages all aspects of lateral hiring. All agencies must have signed terms of business—specific to the relevant office—before submitting any candidates. CVs or applications sent directly to White & Case partners or employees will also not be considered formal introductions. If you have questions, please contact the relevant Recruitment team. We work with our preferred suppliers when engaging agencies.