Associate - Patent Litigator – Life Sciences (Mid-level)

The opportunity
We are looking for a mid-level Associate to join our established team in London. You will be expected to apply your IP knowledge to assist our clients, across a range of technically complex industries, to reach commercial solutions to the legal issues that they face. The firm advises in a way that supports our clients' strategic objectives and is practical and commercial.

The Team
Our Intellectual Property team is consistently ranked as band 1 in both Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We have one of the largest IP teams in London with c.80 lawyers with unparalleled contentious and non-contentious capabilities in relation to all IP rights; trade marks, patents, copyright and database rights, confidential information and data privacy. We advise on IP protection, enforcement, strategic management, valuation and monetisation of IP portfolios. Because of our broad remit our clients are an eclectic mix of the diverse and traditional.

What You'll Do
As a member of one of the largest departments in the London office, the individual will be expected to:

• Advise on the full range of IPRs, with a particular focus on patent litigation in the life sciences sector
• Apply their experience to provide a first-class litigation service to our clients;
• Assist the IP partners to develop the practice; and
• Support the strategic objectives of the firm.

About You

• Excellent academic achievement with a STEM degree, as well as strong technical knowledge of IP law.
• Ideally, have attended and passed the Oxford Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice.
• Proven experience in handling complex life sciences patent litigation at the High Court (essential) within a comparable environment and at an appropriate level.
• Ability to work in teams under partner supervision, and manage junior associates / trainees.
• A desire to be working for a truly international firm and to operating in a team-based environment.
• A clear understanding of the operation and structure of a commercial law firm.

In Addition, We Expect Candidates To Demonstrate

• Flexibility, supporting cases across a broad range of IP litigation issues and jurisdictions.
• The ability to manage aspects of complex IP matters at an appropriate level, working efficiently and effectively alongside the partners.
• Demonstrating an appreciation of client needs and priorities.
• Demonstrating knowledge of key areas of the law by providing clear, precise, practical drafting and advice.
• The ability to liaise effectively with other fee earners within the group, and also to liaise and coordinate with fee earners from other relevant disciplines and jurisdictions as required.
• Delegation and supervisory skills where appropriate.
• The willingness and ability to support business development activity, creating and maintaining strong client relationships and identifying new business opportunities.

The main responsibilities of this role are outlined above; however, this description is not exhaustive, and the job holder may be required to undertake additional duties from time to time to ensure the smooth running of the department. The role may require some working outside our normal working hours of 9:30am- 5:30pm.

If you require any assistance, please email us at

To apply, click on the 'apply' button to submit your details.

Bird & Bird opens up a world of possible for lawyers everywhere. Here you can advise major enterprises and high-growth businesses on matters that are often transformative in nature, and alongside people who are truly collegiate in the way they work with everyone at Bird & Bird. We are one international firm, where over 70% of our work involves teams from across our firm. And that is only going to increase. It is this common purpose and shared approach that makes for a more productive, and collaborative place to work.

If you want to find out more, visit

As a disability and neurodiversity inclusive employer we want to ensure that you have a barrier-free recruitment experience at Bird & Bird. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please provide details to your recruitment contact who will be in touch to discuss any details provided and understand more about your individual adjustment needs.

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