Senior IP Litigator – Commercial & Trials

Virago Recruitment; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Virago Recruitment is seeking a Senior Associate – Intellectual Property Litigation to join their Johannesburg-based litigation team. You will independently manage a portfolio of complex IP and commercial disputes, advising clients on strategy and outcomes.

The role requires a high degree of autonomy, excellent drafting and advocacy skills, and the ability to mentor junior attorneys while building strong client relationships. This is a senior, full-time position within a dynamic boutique firm.

Qualifications

• LLB degree or equivalent legal qualification.
• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• 10+ years' post-admission experience.
• Strong IP and commercial litigation experience.
• Ability to independently manage complex matters.
• Strong drafting, advocacy and legal research skills.
• High Court litigation experience.
• Knowledge of South African civil procedure.
• Experience dealing with clients, counsel and experts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Ability to work independently and contribute within a small, high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a portfolio of complex IP and commercial litigation matters.
• Advise clients on litigation strategy, prospects and commercial outcomes.
• Draft and review pleadings, notices, applications, affidavits, heads of argument, legal opinions and other litigation documents.
• Conduct detailed legal research and provide high-level legal analysis.
• Prepare matters for hearings, trials and motion proceedings.
• Brief and liaise with counsel, experts and other external professionals.
• Attend court, arbitrations, mediations and other dispute-resolution proceedings.
• Manage matters from initial instruction through to settlement, judgment or finalisation.
• Develop litigation strategies aligned with clients' commercial objectives.
• Manage matter budgets, billing and recoveries.
• Ensure compliance with applicable professional and regulatory requirements.
• Advise clients on IP enforcement and protection strategies.
• Handle disputes relating to trademarks, copyright, designs, passing off, unlawful competition.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Act as a trusted legal adviser, providing practical and commercially focused advice.
• Attend client consultations and meetings.
• Identify opportunities for additional legal services.
• Supervise and mentor junior attorneys and candidate attorneys.
• Review work and provide constructive feedback.
• Assist with training and professional development within the litigation department.
• Contribute to the development of internal litigation processes, precedents and workflows.
• Contribute to the growth of the firm's litigation practice.
• Build and maintain professional networks and referral relationships.
• Participate in business-development initiatives and client events.

Skills

IP litigation

Commercial disputes

Independent management

Client relationship management

Mentorship

Legal drafting

Education

LLB degree

Admitted Attorney

Job description

Virago Recruitment is seeking a Senior Associate – Intellectual Property Litigation to join their Johannesburg-based litigation team. You will independently manage a portfolio of complex IP and commercial disputes, advising clients on strategy and outcomes.

The role requires a high degree of autonomy, excellent drafting and advocacy skills, and the ability to mentor junior attorneys while building strong client relationships. This is a senior, full-time position within a dynamic boutique firm.