Commercial IP Associate (2-3 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

About Withers tech

Withers tech advises the world's leading innovators across all areas of their business and personal life, providing a bespoke legal service tailored to the needs of those individuals and companies driving the advancement of emerging technologies. With teams in Europe, the US and APAC, Withers tech provides a global solution for pioneering businesses seeking to scale and expand internationally.

The Withers tech Corporate and Venture Capital team has been at the centre of the UK's thriving technology and life sciences sectors for over a decade, advising on some of the most high-profile venture capital financings in that time, involving companies such as Wise, Revolut, PrimaryBid, Business of Fashion and Open Cosmos. On the investor side, Withers tech's clients include many leading venture capital funds, including Molten Ventures, LocalGlobe, ETF Partners, Mosaic and Mangrove. Advising founders and companies from inception to exit, the team also has a thriving M&A practice with a particular focus on venture-backed M&A.

Withers tech's Corporate and Venture Capital team also forms a core part of the firm's global Life Sciences group, which has a successful record of transferring technology and launching spin-out companies from notable universities, research institutions and tech accelerators.

As part of the leading international law firm advising successful individuals and families, Withers tech works closely with the firm's leading practice groups serving individuals, family offices, foundations and charities, supporting these clients as they seek to invest into innovative and impactful sectors being disrupted by the latest technologies, ranging from the environment and healthcare, to fashion & luxury brands, and sport.

The Role

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic mid-level Associate to join our fast growing and dynamic Intellectual Property (IP) and Technology team in the Business Division.  The applicant should have a broad range of commercial, technology, and IP experience with particular knowledge of SAAS and technology agreements (especially enterprise level).  The role is best suited to someone who is willing to get stuck-in and enjoys helping disruptors to challenge the status quo. 

The work is very often international in scope and there will opportunities to work along with other divisions and teams in our UK and overseas offices in the US, Europe and Asia.  Given the nature of our clients, an interest in the tech sector, as well as the firms other key sectors (including the visual and literary arts, design and fashion) is a must. 

Key skills and experience

• 2-3 years post qualification experience
• Excellent academics and the benefit of a broad training in a well-regarded commercial/IP team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Effective team player - able to work effectively with colleagues in a vibrant but close-knit, friendly environment
• An engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice in the UK and internationally
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset
• Good commercial awareness and a pragmatic outlook is also important
• Familiarity with using IT e.g. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must
• 6-month probation period
• 12 weeks' notice period
• Flexible benefit package

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.       

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