Associate Patent Litigation

Our Patent Litigation team have an opening for a mid level associate in London.Overview of the teamOur international patent litigation team takes a practical approach to helping clients defend their businesses and enforce their rights. We help our clients find commercial solutions if possible but were ready to litigate whenever and wherever necessary.We have a wealth of experience in cross-border IP litigation especially focusing on patents (with a light dusting of trade secrets and a sprinkle of SPCs).We act on some of the most high-profile pharmaceutical and technology cases and have well respected patent litigation teams in the main European jurisdictions and a growing UPC practice including from London. On international litigation involving other firms we often devise and co-ordinate global case strategy as well as acting as local advisers.Role summary/purpose of jobThe London patent litigation team has an opening for a mid-level associate to work primarily on patent litigation matters.The team led by partners Christopher Stothers and Laura Whiting looks to expand by hiring a lawyer with proven experience in patent litigation to complement the existing group. An ability to hit the ground running is a mustOur daily diet of work includes litigation in the English courts opposition and appeal proceedings at the European Patent Office and the co-ordination of multi-jurisdictional litigation. Our main clients sit across the pharmaceutical biotechnology medical device and technology spaces.Key responsibilities and deliverablesThe successful candidate will work under one of the two Partners (plus on more substantial matters a Senior Associate) on the full range of IP litigation tasks primarily focusing on patent litigation. Typical tasks include but are not limited to:Getting to grips with the technical aspects of a matterAnalysing patents to identify validity and infringement argumentsDrafting pre-action correspondenceMeeting with fact witnesses and experts and preparing witness statements and expert reportsDrafting applications and their supporting evidenceCommunicating with the client as to progress of matters and to take instructionsCommunicating with the Courts and other tribunals and with foreign counselSupporting the advocates prior to and at hearingsLegal researchThe successful candidate will also be expected to supervise more junior solicitors / trainees/ paralegals in the efficient completion of such tasks.Professional qualificationsCandidates must be admitted as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales or have an equivalent qualification in another jurisdiction and familiarity with English Court procedures.Technical requirementsCandidates must have: Strong experience in patent and/or technical trade secrets litigation A top-class academic record A strong technical and commercial background Demonstrable experience of team working and mentoring junior associates Good communication skills A desire to progress a career in patent litigationA scientific background may be advantageous but is not a requirement. However the successful candidate must be enthusiastic and able to learn quickly about new often unfamiliar technologies.Competencies:Clear and concise written and oral communication skillsThe ability to build working relationships with a range of people at all levelsProactive approach with a can-do attitudeIdentifies and communicates opportunities to improve the way that work is doneExcellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage tasks to tight timelinesWorks successfully as part of a team sharing knowledge collaborating with and supporting colleaguesCommitted to providing an excellent service to our clientsStrong technical and commercial abilitiesProactive involvement in business development and knowledge managementFlexible in approach and adaptable to changeResilient and calm under pressureMotivated self-starter and delivery focused with a commitment to quality of workTakes ownership and actively looks for personal learning and development opportunitiesDemonstrates sound judgementA commitment to the highest level of integrityFocuses on finding the right solutions and problem solvingAn understanding of working across cultural boundariesThe above job description is a guide to the work you may be required to undertake but does not form part of your contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.Required Experience:IC Key Skills Lpc,Internal Control,Academics,Biotechnology,CRM,Banking Sales Employment Type : Full Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1