Intellectual Property Paralegal

JR United Kingdom; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dedicated Paralegal to enhance their Intellectual Property team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to manage a global IP portfolio, engage in high-volume IP prosecution, and collaborate with diverse professionals across cultures. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills and a proactive attitude, ensuring effective coordination and support for senior staff. Join a leading global law firm that values inclusion, diversity, and equity, and take the next step in your legal career with rewarding opportunities and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Private Health Cover

Income Protection

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Relevant degree with a 2.1 or above is essential.
• Legal background with trade mark/IP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical trade mark formalities and prepare client reports.
• Support global IP M&A activities and conduct asset due diligence.
• Assist with anti-counterfeiting initiatives and maintain compliance.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Proactive Attitude

Writing Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Relevant Undergraduate Degree

Job description

Location: Belfast
Workplace: Hybrid

The opportunity:

We are seeking a Paralegal to join our esteemed Intellectual Property team at Baker McKenzie, Belfast. The successful candidate will support the Firm's IP practice, engaging in high-volume IP prosecution, maintenance, and transactional work within a deadline-driven environment. You will manage a global IP portfolio, requiring a broad understanding of international requirements and effective coordination with diverse teams worldwide. The role involves working with various professionals across cultures, including technology teams, paralegals, lawyers, and partners, to advance IP matters and support senior staff.

About Baker McKenzie:

As a leading global law firm with offices worldwide, our Belfast Centre hosts over 400 legal and professional staff. We offer comprehensive benefits, including private health cover, income protection, life assurance, and employee assistance programs. We are dedicated to fostering inclusion, diversity, and equity, providing rewarding career opportunities.

Main responsibilities:

1. Handle technical trade mark formalities such as registration, prosecution, maintenance, renewal, and post-registration steps, managing complex issues with guidance as needed.
2. Prepare client reports independently.
3. Support global IP M&A activities, including recording assignments, licenses, security interests, and registry changes, involving drafting legal documents, liaising with local counsel, and coordinating document execution.
4. Conduct comprehensive IP asset due diligence using official registries and screening platforms, auditing data from local and international sources.
5. Assist with global anti-counterfeiting initiatives, including drafting product guides, seizure notifications, and liaising with infringers.
6. Perform trade mark scan searches and draft detailed search reports.
7. Provide trade mark watching services.
8. Develop expertise to support lawyers and clients effectively.
9. Maintain compliance with firm procedures and standards, manage deadlines, and communicate proactively about workload challenges.

Essential criteria:

• Relevant undergraduate degree, preferably with a 2.1 or above.
• Legal background with some trade mark/IP experience (preferred).
• Authorization to work in the UK.

Desirable criteria:

• CITMA qualification (advantageous).

Personal & technical skills:

• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proactive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and drive matters forward.
• Resilience under pressure and ability to meet deadlines.
• Clear, concise writing style.
• Team player with adaptable working style and good interpersonal skills.

To apply, please complete the application on our careers page by clicking 'Continue to Application' or 'Login/Register'.