Digital, Data, IP and Technology Associate (3-5 PQE)

A&O Shearman; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Digital, Data, IP and Technology Associate to join their Corporate department in London. This role requires a qualified lawyer with a solid understanding of commercial contracts and experience in non-contentious IP matters. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, providing strategic advice and managing client expectations while working on high-value, complex transactions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage with a diverse range of clients across various sectors, including life sciences and technology, all while contributing to a team recognized for its excellence in delivering innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• 3-5 PQE qualified lawyer with solid knowledge of commercial contracts.
• Experience in negotiating and drafting various commercial law contracts.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing, and amending documentation.
• Providing strategic advice and managing client expectations.
• Assisting with business development campaigns.

Skills

Commercial Contracts

Data Protection

Cybersecurity

Intellectual Property (IP)

Business Development

Legal Research

Excellent Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Qualified Lawyer (3-5 PQE)

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Digital, Data, IP and Technology Associate to join our Corporate department in London.

Department purpose

Our Digital, Data, IP and Technology group advises on a broad range of complex commercial contracts, particularly IP, technology and data rich deals. This includes advising on digital transformation, digital infrastructure, licensing and collaboration matters. Members of the team also advise on all aspects of compliance with data protection and privacy laws and cybersecurity.

The group has a particular focus on the life sciences, communications and high-tech sectors, but also works with a range of clients across other sectors. Clients of the group include leading high-tech, pharmaceutical and other life sciences businesses, communications and digital platform operators. The group also advises financial institutions, software and IT hardware vendors, and global media groups.

We are consistently ranked as a market leader because of our all-round strength and depth, in particular our ability to deliver high-value, complex transactions and strategic advice. Most of the work we do is international in scope and we frequently work with other parts of the A&O Shearman network.

We are a collegiate and close-knit team, with a good mix of standalone work and cross-disciplinary work with other teams in London and our international offices.

Role purpose

Our Digital, Data, IP and Technology group is currently recruiting for an experienced commercial lawyer to join them. We are looking for an individual with experience in commercial contracts/non-contentious IP matters. Experience of working with the technology, pharmaceutical and/or communications and digital sectors would be a differentiator, as in these sectors, the quality of work is second to none. Experience of data protection and/or e-commerce work would also be beneficial.

Role and responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation
• Providing strategic advice
• Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately
• Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign
• Legal research

Key requirements

• 3-5 PQE qualified lawyer with a solid knowledge and understanding of commercial contracts and experience of negotiating, drafting, and analysing commercial law contracts, such as service agreements, software licence agreements, supply, manufacturing and distribution agreements, technology licences, franchising, R&D agreements, collaboration agreements
• Strong technical knowledge across some (but not all) of the following areas:

-non-contentious IP transactions and advice
-M&A support (including due diligence, IP licensing, transitional services, separation and integration)
-communications network transactions and advice
-data protection and privacy advice
-cybersecurity advice
-outsourcing transactions (including in regulated sectors, such as financial services)
(Note: Associates will typically focus on a selection of the above and are not expected to cover all areas of the practice.)

• Intellectual curiosity and versatility
• Self-starter with the desire and ability continuously to acquire, develop and share knowledge
• Detail-focused and self-motivated approach
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Excellent client relationship skills
• Sound experience of operating at associate level within a complex international organisation
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the partner and fee-earner community, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborative team player with the ability to develop and work in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment
• A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility