Intellectual Property Solicitor

William James Recruitment

Manchester

On-site

GBP 65,000 - 85,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with annual review

Comprehensive benefits package

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension

Hybrid working arrangements

Structured support and mentoring

Job summary

A top legal recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Associate focused on Intellectual Property to join a dynamic team in Manchester. Ideal candidates will possess over 5 years’ PQE and a strong technical background in IP law. The role involves managing high-value IP matters, supervising junior colleagues, and engaging with high-profile clients in sectors such as sports and fashion. The position offers competitive salary reviews, comprehensive benefits, and structured support for career progression in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

Proven experience in handling IP disputes, copyright, trade marks, and design rights.
Strong technical background in intellectual property law.
Ability to build lasting client relationships.

Responsibilities

Manage and advise on IP disputes and litigation matters.
Supervise and develop junior members of the team.
Provide practical advice tailored to clients’ business objectives.
Engage with high-profile clients from various sectors.

Skills

Client-facing skills

Communication skills

Commercially-minded approach

Mentoring junior colleagues

Education

Qualified solicitor in England & Wales

5+ years PQE in Intellectual Property

Job description

Senior Associate 5+ PQE – Intellectual Property – Manchester

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Associate with a focus on Intellectual Property to join a dynamic and commercially-minded IP practice. This role is ideal for an ambitious lawyer who enjoys hands-on client work, working closely with partners, and contributing to a lively, entrepreneurial team culture.

You will be entrusted with high-value IP matters, including disputes and litigation across trade marks, passing off, copyright, designs, and patents. There will be opportunities to supervise junior team members, take ownership of your own portfolio, and develop your profile through client engagement and business development activities.

This Role

Responsibility for your own matters and day-to-day client contact
Exposure to high-profile clients in sports, fashion, and consumer brands
Opportunities to mentor and supervise junior colleagues
Support for your career development, professional networking, and profile-building
A collaborative, inclusive, and approachable team culture

The Team

You will join a specialist IP team operating nationally, working closely with partners and associates. The team advises on:

IP disputes and litigation, including trade marks, copyright, passing off, design rights, and patents
Strategic advice for brands and businesses on protecting and enforcing IP rights
Supervising and mentoring junior team members on client matters and internal projects
Business development initiatives and client engagement

The team is friendly, down-to-earth, and commercially focused, with a culture that encourages new ideas and supports entrepreneurial lawyers in building their careers and client portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

Managing and advising on IP disputes and litigation matters
Taking ownership of your own matters while collaborating with partners and colleagues
Supervising and developing junior members of the team
Providing practical, commercially-minded advice tailored to clients’ business objectives
Contributing to business development initiatives, both internally and externally
Engaging with clients across multiple sectors, including sports, fashion, and consumer brands

The Candidate

You will be a qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 5+ years’ PQE, with a strong technical background in intellectual property law.

Experience handling IP disputes, trade marks, passing off, copyright, and design rights
Strong client-facing and communication skills
A commercially-minded, practical approach to problem-solving
Enthusiasm for mentoring junior colleagues and developing your own client portfolio
Ability to contribute to business development and build lasting client relationships
A collaborative and approachable personality that thrives in a lively team environment

This role is ideal for a lawyer looking to take a leading role in a growing IP practice, gain exposure to high-profile clients, and shape the development of the team.

The Benefits