Senior Associate (IP Litigation)

Dante Personnel; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Dante Personnel is seeking an experienced IP litigation specialist to independently manage complex IP and commercial matters. You will advise clients on strategy, draft essential litigation documents, and represent at High Court hearings. The role includes mentoring junior attorneys and supporting business development.

Applicants should have 10+ years post-admission, SA High Court admission, and a strong command of civil procedure. A commercially minded, client-focused approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold an LLB and be admitted as Attorney of the High Court of SA.
• 10+ years of post-admission experience.
• Strong IP litigation and commercial disputes experience.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex litigation matters.
• Excellent drafting, research, advocacy and negotiation skills.
• High Court litigation experience.
• Strong knowledge of SA civil procedure.
• Excellent client-management and communication skills.
• Commercially minded with strategic judgement.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex IP and commercial litigation matters.
• Advise clients on litigation strategy, risks and commercial outcomes.
• Draft pleadings, affidavits, heads of argument and other litigation documents.
• Prepare and attend High Court matters, hearings and trials.
• Manage matters from instruction through to settlement or finalisation.
• Liaise with clients, counsel, experts and stakeholders.
• Mentor and supervise junior attorneys and candidate attorneys.
• Contribute to client relationship management and business development.

Skills

Litigation strategy

Client management

Negotiation

Research

Advocacy

Education

LLB

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of SA

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex IP and commercial litigation matters
• Advise clients on litigation strategy, legal risks and commercial outcomes
• Draft pleadings, applications, affidavits, heads of argument, legal opinions and other litigation documents
• Prepare and attend High Court matters, hearings, trials, mediations and other dispute-resolution proceedings
• Manage matters from instruction through to settlement or finalisation
• Liaise directly with clients, counsel, experts and other stakeholders
• Mentor and supervise junior attorneys and candidate attorneys
• Contribute to client relationship management and business development

Requirements

• LLB
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• 10+ years' post-admission experience
• Strong experience in IP litigation and commercial disputes
• Proven ability to independently manage complex litigation matters
• Strong drafting, research, advocacy and negotiation skills
• High Court litigation experience
• Strong knowledge of South African civil procedure
• Excellent client-management and communication skills
• Commercially minded with strong strategic judgement