Associate: IP Litigation

Virago Recruitment; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Virago Recruitment is seeking an Associate – Intellectual Property Litigation in Johannesburg to manage IP and commercial disputes from instruction through to settlement, judgment or trial.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years' post-admission experience, strong drafting and research skills, and a keen interest in developing a long-term IP career within a South African law firm. The role is based in Johannesburg and requires independent contribution within a small team.

Qualifications

• LLB degree and admission as an attorney.
• 3–5 years' post-admission experience in litigation.
• Experience in intellectual property litigation is essential.
• Experience in an IP-focused law firm is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage intellectual property and commercial litigation matters from instruction to settlement, judgment or trial.
• Draft pleadings, notices, affidavits, applications and heads of argument.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions and advice.
• Prepare matters for motion and trial proceedings.
• Attend court appearances, mediations and case management meetings.
• Assist with discovery, expert evidence and trial preparation.
• Liaise with clients, counsel and other stakeholders.
• Develop litigation strategies in consultation with senior practitioners.
• Negotiate settlements and draft settlement agreements.
• Keep clients informed on case progress.

Skills

Litigation experience

Drafting and research skills

Legal judgment

Client-service orientation

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney

Job description

ASSOCIATE – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION

Department: Litigation

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Reporting to: Head of Litigation / Director

Employment Type: Full-time

The successful candidate will assist with and independently manage a range of intellectual property and commercial litigation matters, from initial instruction through to settlement, judgment or trial.

The role will have a particular focus on IP disputes, while also providing exposure to broader commercial litigation. The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, excellent drafting and research skills, sound legal judgment and a genuine interest in developing a long-term career in intellectual property law.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation

• Manage and assist with intellectual property and commercial litigation matters.

• Draft pleadings, notices, affidavits, applications, heads of argument and other court documents.

• Conduct legal research and prepare legal opinions and advice.

• Prepare matters for motion and trial proceedings.

• Attend court appearances, hearings, case management meetings, mediations and consultations.

• Assist with discovery, expert evidence and trial preparation.

• Manage litigation files and ensure all procedural and statutory deadlines are met.

• Liaise with clients, counsel, experts, attorneys and other stakeholders.

• Develop litigation strategies in consultation with senior practitioners.

• Negotiate settlements and assist with drafting settlement agreements.

• Keep clients regularly informed regarding the progress of their matters.

Intellectual Property

The role will have a particular focus on disputes involving:

• Trade mark infringement and passing-off.

• Copyright infringement.

• Patent and design disputes.

• Unlawful competition.

• Trade secret and confidential information disputes.

• Domain name disputes.

• IP-related commercial disputes.

• Enforcement of intellectual property rights.

• Opposition, cancellation and related IP proceedings where applicable.

Client & Practice Management

• Provide commercially focused legal advice to clients.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

• Exercise sound legal judgment and identify legal and commercial risks.

• Work collaboratively with the firm's Prosecution and other legal teams.

• Assist with business development and client presentations where required.

• Maintain accurate time records and meet billing and financial targets.

• Ensure compliance with firm policies and professional obligations.

Minimum Requirements

• LLB degree.

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.

• 3–5 years' post-admission experience, with meaningful litigation experience.

• Previous experience in intellectual property litigation.

• Previous experience within an IP-focused law firm is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of South African civil procedure and litigation practice.

• Excellent legal drafting and research skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a small team.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.

• Commercially minded with a strong client-service orientation.

Advantageous

• High Court litigation experience.

• Experience in trade mark, copyright, patent or design disputes.

• Experience working with counsel and expert witnesses.

• Demonstrated interest in developing a long-term career in intellectual property law.

• Existing client relationships and/or business-development experience.