Trade Mark Attorney (NQ-2 PQE)

Wedlake Bell's highly-regarded Trade Marks practice is seeking to recruit another Trade Mark Attorney to join our exciting team. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Sitting within our wider IP & Commercial team, our specialist Trade Marks practice offers comprehensive trade mark portfolio management across all aspects of trade mark protection and enforcement. Our clients are equally diverse, ranging from private individuals through to global corporations in a variety of industries – including consumer goods, technology, life sciences, artistic works, fashion, hospitality, to name a few.

This Trade Mark Attorney role is a newly created role within the team, testifying to the growth trajectory of the practice, and will cover a broad range of responsibilities across transactional, advisory, and contentious matters. You will work closely with the partners and fee earners in the team to further develop your skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a thriving practice in the exciting Trade Marks space. We are seeking a Trade Mark Attorney with an established background (NQ – 2PQE) in trade mark matters, with the passion to help develop the practice further.

Find out more about the Trade Marks team here.

About Us:

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip and walking trips!), you will quickly feel like part of the WB team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing a varied portfolio of trade mark matters, from initial creation stages, through to protection and enforcement, and all stages in-between including searches, filings, oppositions, and enforcement actions;
• Monitoring and reporting internal and external deadlines;
• Advising clients on trade mark strategy, portfolio management, and brand protection;
• Conducting trade mark clearance searches and providing risk assessments;
• Drafting and filing trade mark applications, oppositions, and other related documents;
• Liaising with foreign associates and managing international trade mark portfolios;
• Drafting co-existence and settlement agreements;
• Assisting with contentious and non-contentious trade mark disputes in the UK and other overseas trade mark offices;
• Drafting domain name and company names complaints;
• Supervising and organising administrative team to ensure records are accurate;
• Supporting the development of the trade mark practice through business development activities;
• Keeping up to date with developments in trade mark law and practice; and
• Other ad-hoc responsibilities as required.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• A background in a well-regarded trade mark practice, with hands on experience managing a diverse trade mark portfolio and handling associated transactional and licensing work, along with a demonstrable interest in and desire to develop a trade marks practice;
• Be a qualified trade mark attorney (ideally NQ - 2PQE);
• A relevant university qualification - law degree (or related), or post-graduate qualification in a related field;
• Strong client relationship and business development skills;
• Excellent matter management skills;
• Strong academic history and the ability to "think outside the box" and analyse;
• Able to work well under pressure and in keeping with deadlines;
• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Must have excellent attention to detail;
• Strong IT capabilities, including a good understanding of modern office software (Office 365 suite); and
• A high level of professionalism and integrity.

Why Join Us?

• A competitive starting salary and bonus;
• A comprehensive pension plan;
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events;
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year;
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme;
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one;
• Enhanced parental leave policies;
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services;
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships; and
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.