Senior Associate - Trade Mark Department

Outsidecapital; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Pretoria is seeking a Senior Associate - Trade Mark Litigation to manage high-stakes cases. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in trade mark litigation and a strong educational background. This position offers significant autonomy, with opportunities for mentorship and business development in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of post-qualification experience in trade mark litigation.
• Proven experience with High Court motion proceedings.
• Experience with trade mark and copyright enforcement in African territories.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex legal instructions to provide legal advice.
• Draft critical legal documents for litigation.
• Mentor and supervise junior legal professionals.

Skills

Legal Research

Drafting and Problem Solving

Trade Mark Litigation

Communication Skills

Mentoring

Education

LLB Degree

Qualified Trade Mark Practitioner

Job description

Job Description

Role Title : Senior Associate - Trade Mark Litigation

Client Summary :

Our client is a leading legal practice with a significant international presence renowned for its expertise across various industries. They are dedicated to providing high-profile international and local clients with exceptional legal counsel and strategic solutions, particularly in complex trade mark litigation. This dynamic firm fosters a collaborative environment where professionals can thrive and make a tangible impact.

Job Description :

Join a prestigious and forward-thinking legal team where you will play a pivotal role in managing high-stakes trade mark litigation matters. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned legal professional to contribute to a deadline-driven international practice working on challenging cases across South Africa and other African jurisdictions. You will support senior partners, engage with a diverse clientele, and contribute to the firm's ongoing success and development. This role offers significant autonomy for experienced individuals, coupled with the support of experienced leadership, and provides a platform for mentoring junior professionals and driving business development initiatives.

Responsibilities :

1. Analyze complex legal instructions and factual scenarios to provide insightful legal advice and opinions.
2. Prepare professional and persuasive correspondence to clients and opposing parties.
3. Draft critical legal documents including letters of demand, undertakings, affidavits, pleadings, and notices for litigation.
4. Contribute to the firm's thought leadership by preparing marketing materials, articles for publication, and participating in speaking engagements.
5. Conduct thorough legal research to support case strategy and client advisement.
6. Manage and administer individual case files efficiently, ensuring all deadlines are met.
7. Proactively address urgent matters with speed and accuracy.
8. Mentor and supervise junior legal professionals, delegating routine tasks for efficient workflow.
9. Prepare comprehensive monthly client reports detailing the status of ongoing matters.
10. Review prebills to ensure accuracy and adherence to client billing requirements.
11. Coordinate effectively with foreign counsel on international trade mark matters, filings, and portfolio maintenance.
12. Manage portfolio transfers and oversee large client portfolios with meticulous attention to detail.
13. Provide expert advice and representation in a wide range of IP-related litigation, including trade mark infringement, cancellation, opposition, name objections, and domain name disputes.
14. Advise clients on copyright queries and manage copyright litigation, with a focus on software-related disputes.
15. Draft IP sections for due diligence reports and analyze IP assets within commercial transactions.

Requirements : Must-Haves :

• LLB Degree.
• Qualified trade mark practitioner.
• Admission as an attorney with 5 to 7 years of post-qualification experience (PQE), preferably gained at a top-tier law firm.
• Proven experience with trade mark litigation, specifically High Court motion proceedings, including drafting and filing pleadings, affidavits, and notices.
• Demonstrated experience with trade mark and copyright enforcement in African territories beyond South Africa.
• Proficiency in legal research, drafting, and problem-solving within a property law context.
• Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple transactions and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write succinctly and engage professionally with clients.
• Strong mentoring and team management capabilities.
• Ability to manage large volumes of matters for high-profile clients and deliver commercially focused legal solutions.

Required Experience : Senior IC

Key Skills :

Machine Shop, Civil Project Management, Content Development, Biomedical, Maintenance Engineering

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1