Trade Mark Attorney (Associate I/II) at Adams & Adams

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting trade mark portfolio reviews for new and existing clients
• Preparing and drafting legal correspondence including responses to client enquiries, routine correspondence in accordance with client standing instructions
• Managing and monitoring the accounting matters of the practice, including Work In Progresss (WIP) and Debtors.
• Overseeing the processing of foreign associates' invoices for payment.
• Dealing with urgent matters and client requests
• Conducting trade mark clearance projects, including searches and international screening
• Preparing comprehensive and well-researched search reports to clients, taking into account regulatory requirements, copyright and other forms of IP
• Managing the filing of trade mark applications, including receiving, reviewing and interpreting instructions from client and ensuring that applications are lodged in accordance with local legal requirements in South Africa and Africa.
• Co-ordinating cost estimate requests and providing accurate quotes to clients for trade mark prosecution, renewal and formality processes throughout Africa and international territories
• Assisting and co-ordinating with tenders and Request for Proposal (RFP) projects
• Managing portfolio transfers in a streamlined manner
• Assisting in trade mark filing strategy discussions by providing well-researched opinions and advice
• Conducting due diligence projects in an accurate and timeous manner
• Preparing well-researched and considered trade mark related legal advice and opinions
• Effective management of deadlines by following a reliable system to follow up consistently on all matters
• Managing an electronic diary
• Preparing reports and schedules
• Considering official actions in relation to local laws and reporting to client without delay
• Preparing correspondence to the Registry complying with official actions in accordance with client instructions
• Researching and assisting with classification queries
• Ensuring that client standing instructions and A&A’s records are updated accurately and timeously when required
• Conducting research in relation to client queries, search reports, applications, local legislation etc
• Preparing marketing material, including articles for publication
• Preparing for and attending client visits 
• Commitment to maintaining existing client relationships and establishing relationships with new clients

Requirements

Skills and knowledge

• Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)
• Computer literate in Microsoft Word and Excel
• A general understanding of accounting and invoicing procedures
• A meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise duties
• Attention to detail is essential
• A conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterally
• Someone with a professional attitude
• Ability to give clear instructions to a secretary
• Prepared to work long hours where necessary
• Ability to work independently but also take initiative to engage with superiors where necessary
• Knowledge of relevant Acts – e.g. Trade Marks Act.
• Willingness to learn

Candidate Profile

• Excellent communication and writing skills
• The ability and drive to progress
• Leadership skills
• Commitment to the practice and the firm
• Academic excellence
• Enthusiasm, initiative and creativity
• Integrity and a zero-tolerance for negative intent
• Ability to attract and generate work
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to maintain composure and work effectively under pressure

Qualification/s

• Admitted attorney
• Post qualification experience required
• Trade Marks Prosecution experience
• Qualified Trade Marks Practitioner, in the process of being qualified (advantageous), or a real intention to qualify as a Trade Mark Practitioner busy with SAIIPL exams
• Experience of working in an IP firm will be highly advantageous
• 3  years post articles experience (advantageous)