Associate - Intellectual Property & Technology at Baker McKenzie

The Role
We are seeking an ambitious, bright and talented junior to mid-level Associate with two to four years PQE to join a dynamic and motivated Technology and Data practice in Johannesburg, working on some of the highest quality and most exciting work the market has to offer.

The role will have the following core focus:

• Advice and support in respect of ECS and ECNS licensing, including licence application, regulatory process, policy, legislative and regulatory initiatives
• Licensing and distribution agreements for all platforms: TVOD, pay television, SVOD, free television and libraries
• Advisory on social media, takedown notices and policy drafting
• IP Clearance
• Commercial arrangements, agreements and transactions in respect of the electronic sale of (i) physical goods, (ii) digital goods and (iii) services (B2C, B2B, C2C, C2B and B2G)
• Data privacy and GDPR
• Cybersecurity in terms of payments, transactions
• Setting up corporate vehicles and arrangements for commercial exploitation of IP
• Exchange control in respect of inbound and outbound royalty arrangements (DTI and SARB) and export of intellectual property
• Lobbying and commenting on new legislation

Key Skills and Experience Required

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate all or the majority of the following:

• A qualified lawyer with excellent academic credentials 
• Current experience in the Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions department of a leading firm
• First rate technical skills needed to support the client work of the department
• Commerciality and demonstrable business development experience
• Excellent written communication and drafting skills
• Initiative and proactivity
• Maturity and gravitas
• Strong service orientation - a "client first" culture
• Ability to develop strong relationships with clients and to take responsibility for this relationship
• High work standards
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to adapt style as required
• Ability to work well in both a team and individually
• A keenness to learn
• Respects and enjoys the diversity of cultural, social and academic backgrounds found in the Firm