Trade Mark Litigation Snr Associate/Associate II

Adams & Adams; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading African law firm is seeking a professional to manage trade mark litigation for prestigious clients across South Africa and Africa. The successful candidate will have 5-7 years of PQE in trade mark litigation, strong organisational and communication skills, and the ability to mentor junior staff. This role offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5 – 7 years PQE, preferably from top-tier law firm.
• Experience in trade mark enforcement in African territories.
• Flexible to work after hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage IP litigation matters including trade mark infringement.
• Coordinate with foreign counsel on international matters.
• Advise clients on copyright queries and litigation.
• Create IP sections of due diligence reports.
• Conduct research and manage diary files.
• Effect portfolio transfers for large client portfolios.
• Prepare marketing materials and participate in speaking opportunities.

Skills

Organisational skills

Written and verbal communication

Trade mark litigation experience

Mentoring and leadership

Client management

Interpersonal skills

Education

LLB Degree

Qualified trade mark practitioner

Admission as an Attorney

Job description

Adams & Adams is a leading African law firm specialising in trade mark enforcement across Africa, handling legal actions such as oppositions, cancellations, domain disputes, and advertising complaints. With deep regional expertise and an extensive footprint, Adams & Adams offers strategic advice and robust protection for trade marks amongst other IP rights.

The firm prioritises talent development and fosters continuous learning to empower teams.

Job Purpose

Step into a dynamic role managing trade mark litigation for prestigious international and local clients spanning diverse industries in South Africa and other African jurisdictions. You will support three partners in the team in a variety of contentious trade mark matters, including oppositions, cancellations, company name objections and trade mark and copyright enforcement matters.

The successful candidate will be someone with relevant experience in the field that enables them to work largely independently but under partner supervision. You will play a key role in mentoring junior professionals in the team and contributing to business development initiatives.

This is a deadline driven practice with an international reach, requiring adaptability and quick thinking. If you have strong organisational skills and proven experience with practice management, this is an opportunity for you to advance your professional growth in an inspiring environment.

Role Requirements

Key Skills, Knowledge & Competencies

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple transactions and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills for professional correspondence and client interaction
• Experience with trade mark litigation, especially High Court motion proceedings and trade mark oppositions, specifically, the drafting and filing of pleadings, affidavits and notices
• Future focused mentoring and leadership capabilities
• Ability to manage large volumes of matters for high profile clients and deliver commercially focused legal solutions
• Team oriented with excellent interpersonal skills and a proactive approach

Key Responsibilities

• Managing a variety of IP related litigation matters, including matters relating to trade mark infringement, cancellations and oppositions, name objections and domain name disputes
• Coordinating with foreign counsel on international matters, filings, maintenance
• Dealing with enquiries and advising clients in relation to copyright queries and dealing with litigation relating to copyright disputes
• Creating IP sections of due diligence reports, analysing IP in the context of commercial transactions
• Conducting research
• Diarising and administering own diary files
• Effect portfolio transfers and manage large client portfolios
• Preparing marketing material, including articles for publication, and participating in speaking opportunities

Education

• LLB Degree
• Qualified trade mark practitioner
• Admission as an Attorney

Experience/Requirement

• 5 – 7 years PQE, top-tier law firm experience is an advantage
• Experience with trade mark and copyright enforcement in African territories (including but not limited to South Africa)
• Knowledge of and experience with Patricia and/or Net docs is beneficial but not required
• Flexibility to work after hours from time to time is a requirement

We are committed to being a responsible business, both in our internal management and in the delivery of client services.