Paralegal (Pretoria) at Adams & Adams

Description

• To manage anti-counterfeiting and trademark litigation matters from initiation to resolution, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements. The role involves drafting legal documentation, coordinating enforcement actions, maintaining accurate case records, and handling urgent matters efficiently. It requires effective client communication, preparation of investigation reports, and liaison with regulatory authorities, law enforcement, and external stakeholders. Additionally, the position supports billing processes and partner diary management to ensure smooth delivery of legal services.

Duties and responsibilities

• Attend to and manage standard anti‑counterfeiting and general trademark litigation matters, including oppositions, infringements, and company name objection matters.
• Manage matters from initiation through to resolution in accordance with legal and procedural requirements.
• Prepare and draft schedules, standard affidavits, standard agreements, and related legal documentation.
• Draft civil summons, court pleadings, and default judgment applications.
• Brief Counsel as and when required.
• Prepare and issue letters of demand in line with enforcement strategies.
•  Assist in the execution of enforcement actions arising from infringement matters.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records on the Patricia system.
• Ensure matters are properly diarised, monitored, and updated in accordance with statutory and internal deadlines.
• Deal with urgent matters promptly and efficiently.
• Ensure that all urgent tasks and deadlines are prioritised and met timeously.
• Deal skilfully and professionally with complex and advanced telephonic enquiries.
•  Provide clear and regular updates to clients on the status of matters handled on their behalf.
• Prepare monthly or quarterly client status reports.
• Conduct and/or organise trade investigations relating to counterfeit and infringing activities.
• Review investigation outcomes and prepare supporting documentation.
• Prepare draft expert and complaint affidavits for submission to SAPS and SARS.
• Liaise with the Police, CIPC, and SARS officials on all matters relating to anti‑counterfeiting and enforcement.
• Liaise with correspondent attorneys in different jurisdictions to ensure alignment and progress of matters.
• Liaise and coordinate with Sheriffs regarding writ executions.
• Assist with invoicing and the accurate recording of billable activities in accordance with firm requirements.
• Manage the Partner’s diary, including scheduling of meetings, court dates, deadlines, and follow‑up actions

Requirements
Skills and knowledge

• Strong legal drafting and technical accuracy.
• Case/matter management and deadline discipline, including urgent work.
• Investigative acumen and practical critical problem‑solving.
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle pressurised and sensitive matters.

 Qualification/s

• Matric/ National Diploma or equivalent qualification
• a relevant legal diploma/certificate with proven litigation support experience in IP/anti‑counterfeiting.
• Three years post-matric or equivalent qualification