Senior IP Counsel - Flexible, Impactful Licensing

Markel Corporation; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Private medical

Dental

Life assurance

Income protection

Travel insurance

Excellent pension scheme

Work–life balance

Learning and leadership programmes

Job summary

Markel Law in Manchester is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate specialising in Intellectual Property to join our Commercial Services team. You will work on licensing, assignments, copyright and trademark matters for a range of clients.

The role offers mentoring of junior lawyers, opportunities to influence process improvements, and a pathway to play a key part in business growth through strategic IP advice, cross‑functional collaboration, and thought leadership.

Qualifications

• A qualified solicitor with strong PQE in intellectual property.
• Technically excellent with deep knowledge of IP rights, licensing and enforcement.
• Skilled in managing complex cases and producing high‑quality, commercially focused advice.
• A confident communicator with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships.
• Commercially aware, proactive and willing to identify and pursue opportunities for growth.
• Someone who enjoys collaboration and mentoring, and thrives in an environment where ideas are encouraged and innovation is welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex IP matters, including licensing, assignments, copyright and trademark issues, brand protection and dispute management.
• Provide strategic IP advice to a wide range of clients across varied sectors.
• Mentor and develop junior lawyers within the team.
• Work closely with the Head of Commercial on critical initiatives and team development.
• Support business growth by finding opportunities, developing relationships and contributing to marketing and thought‑leadership activity.
• Play an active role in enhancing our advice line and Business Hub content.
• Influence process improvements and the development of tools, templates and automated solutions to deliver best‑in‑class legal services.

Skills

PQE in IP

IP licensing

IP enforcement

Client advisory

Commercial awareness

Mentoring

Education

Solicitor qualified (UK)

Tools

None

Job description

Markel Law in Manchester is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate specialising in Intellectual Property to join our Commercial Services team. You will work on licensing, assignments, copyright and trademark matters for a range of clients.

The role offers mentoring of junior lawyers, opportunities to influence process improvements, and a pathway to play a key part in business growth through strategic IP advice, cross‑functional collaboration, and thought leadership.