Senior Associate

DLA Piper; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Trade Mark Prosecution Senior Associate to lead and develop a global trademark and design portfolio within a dynamic, international practice. The role focuses on fee-earning tasks, client service, and ongoing process improvements across the UK and worldwide.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified Trademark Attorney with experience managing portfolios, clearance, filing, and registry disputes, guiding junior team members and leveraging technology to optimise workflows.

Qualifications

• Qualified Trademark Attorney (England & Wales) with eligibility to practice in the UK.
• Experience managing global trademark and design portfolios including clearance, filing and registry disputes.
• Strong client service focus and ability to work collaboratively across UK and international teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead on fee-earning tasks for global trademark and design portfolios, supervising juniors.
• Manage trademark clearance, filing projects, and registrability opinions.
• Advise on trademark oppositions and cancellations globally, including UKIPO actions.
• Oversee large-scale recordal and data verification for portfolios.
• Provide strategic advice on filings, renewals and disputes; conduct portfolio audits.

Skills

Trademark portfolio management

Clearance & filing

Registries & disputes

Client relationship

Team supervision

Education

Qualified Trademark Attorney (England & Wales)

Job description

DLA Piper is one of the world’s largest law firms, with offices in over 40 countries, and an impressive global IP practice and client list. As part of the continuing development of our business in line with our mission to be the leading global business law firm, we have ambitious plans to continue to grow our UK trade mark prosecution and portfolio management practice.

Crucially we are challenging ourselves to ensure that the manner in which we deliver our trade mark services leads the market, and that we maximise the opportunities offered by our unique global platform so that it delivers unrivalled benefits to our clients. To help drive forward our strategy, we are now seeking to recruit a Trade Mark Prosecution Senior Associate.

Main duties and responsibilities

Whilst the main focus of the role is on fee earning responsibilities, you will also contribute to the shaping, growth and implementation of continuing change for the trade mark prosecution and portfolio management practice. The role will entail working with colleagues across the UK and internationally.

Fee Earning Tasks Will Include

• management of global trademark and design portfolios (to include supervision of junior associates, trainees and paralegals)
• leading on trademark clearance and filing projects, to include providing registrability opinions
• advising on and handling trademark opposition and cancellation actions at the UKIPO, and managing and co-ordinating such actions around the world
• supervising large scale recordal and data verification projects relating to trade mark and design portfolios
• providing strategic advice on trademark filings, renewals and disputes, to include portfolio audits and gap analysis reports

Our global client base includes a wide variety of clients across all industries, including luxury and consumer brands, media and sports, technology and communications, financial services, gambling, pharmaceutical, hotel and leisure.

As a Senior Associate, we would also expect you to take an active role in the management and development of client relationships, as well as playing a role in supervising and training more junior team members. You would also play an active role in helping identify and implement process improvements (eg through better use of technology or changes in how workflows are organised and managed), as we continually seek to make our prosecution services as efficient and effective as possible.

About You

We do not set upper or lower limits of PQE for any of our vacancies. We have however given an indicative PQE as an approximate guide for applicants. Candidates who have between 5 and 8 years' PQE are likely to have the right level of knowledge and have gained the right level of experience needed to be able to successfully undertake this role.

The Ideal Candidate Will

• be a qualified Trademark Attorney, ideally qualified in England & Wales
• have experience managing global trademark and design portfolios, including clearance, filing/prosecution and registry dispute matters
• have high standards of client service and responsiveness
• be able to work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues in the UK and beyond in a fast-paced environment
• have a flexible approach
• have a strong academic record
• have excellent attention to detail
• have exceptional organisational and time management skills
• be reliable and have a professional manner

So bring your ambition, initiative and entrepreneurial mind‑set to a global business that's redefining the expectations of a law firm.

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high‑stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size‑fits‑all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre‑engagement screening checks prior to your first day.