Trade Mark Senior Associate

KISCH IP; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent legal practice in Gauteng is seeking a qualified Attorney to join their Trade Mark Enforcement Department. The ideal candidate will have completed an LLB, served a clerkship in an IP firm, and be an admitted Attorney. Responsibilities include drafting legal documents, managing client relationships, and participating in trade mark litigation and anti-counterfeiting enforcement. This role offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Completed LLB with 2 years of clerkship served in an IP firm.
• Admitted Attorney.
• Knowledge and understanding of Trade Marks is essential as completion of the trade mark practitioner’s examination.

Responsibilities

• Drafting legal documents including contracts and agreements.
• Monthly invoicing of fees and managing disbursements.
• Liaising with clients and coordinating consultations with counsel.
• Participating in search and seizure operations.

Skills

Excellent written communication skills

Excellent oral communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Client-focused approach

Good negotiation skills

Good interpersonal skills

Able to work independently

Strong work ethics

Deadline driven

Strong legal research abilities

Education

Completed LLB

Admitted Attorney

Tools

MS Office

Knowledge of Patricia

Knowledge of Elite 3E

Job description

Our Trade Mark Enforcement Department has a vacant position for a qualified Attorney.

We are looking for a young, energetic and highly driven candidate to become part of this well-established and growing practice.

The ideal candidate is confident with excellent written and oral communication abilities, ability to handle multiple priorities, and a good understanding of client needs.

If you enjoy trade mark litigation and anti-counterfeiting enforcement work including training, search and seizure operations, and multi-jurisdictional matters and have the desire to take your career to the next level, then this is for you.

This role represents a great opportunity within a challenging and professional environment.

Key responsibilities

• Drafting legal documents (opinions, contracts, agreements, letters of demand & articles)
• Monthly invoicing of fees and disbursements
• Compilation of quotes
• File and document management (uploading documents, correspondences, managing/monitoring deadlines, court online processes)
• Liaising with clients and agents
• Attending consultations with counsel
• Day‑to‑day running of trade mark litigation and anti‑counterfeiting practice
• Arranging and delivering brand identification training seminars to Customs and Police authorities across Africa
• Coordinating and participating in search and seizure operations to defend clients’ intellectual property rights in countries such as Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe
• Following up on enforcement actions with rigorous civil and criminal litigation in relation to anti‑counterfeiting

Minimum requirements

• Completed LLB with 2 years of clerkship served in an IP firm
• Admitted Attorney
• Knowledge and understanding of Trade Marks is essential as is completion of the trade mark practitioner’s examination
• Experience in and ability to do legal research and draft opinions
• Fully computer literate on MS Office (Knowledge Patricia and Elite 3E will be advantageous)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and good command of English
• Must be able to multi‑task
• Able to work independently
• Deadline driven
• Good team player
• Good interpersonal skills
• Personal development abilities
• Client focused
• Good negotiation skills
• Able to maintain an orderly working environment
• Punctual and reliable
• Good work ethics