Current Jobs 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)

go to method of application »

Duties and responsibilities

• Dealing with Patent Court, High Court (Designs) and Appeal Court matters
• Drafting routine affidavits, notices and applications
• Collating (and copying) of annexure for affidavits/other documents
• Finalising affidavits and pleadings for signature
• Arranging for and attending to signing of documents
• Preparation of basic forms for filing with Registrar
• Drawing of revenue stamps
• Arranging for services on High Court and Registrar of the Patents Court
• Assisting with preparing of litigation papers as well as paginating and indexing of such papers
• Filing in files and on worksite and maintaining court, counsel and own records
• Writing of routine letters to clients/Registrar (restorations of patents)
• Typing/editing of documents/faxes/letters for partner, as well as for PA’s and CA’s allocated to partner (dictation and copy typing)
• Typing of correspondence and claims
• Typing and sending of claim vettings
• Assisting with preparing and filing of amendments (when required)
• Billing files, including preparing full billing data and costing (and notation) of files
• Attending to credit Notes and dealing with account queries
• Requisition cheques /electronic transfers for payment of agents/service providers/etc
• Arranging for deposit of cheques (payments) into agents’ bank accounts
• Following up on overdue payments from clients
• Clearing of suspense list on an ongoing basis
• Opening new files on Litigation computer system
• Large volumes of dictation work
• Answering telephone and screening calls
• Liaising with clients telephonically and in person
• Liaise with clients/agents from time to time to set up consultations
• Arranging venue/s for consultations
• Sending and receiving e-mail
• Photocopying of various documents
• Scanning of documents to dispatch with e-mail messages
• Ordering stationery
• Making travel arrangements (book air tickets, rented vehicles, hotel bookings, claim refunds)

Requirements

Skills and knowledge

• High level of initiative and being pro-active in the practice
• Ability to prioritize and deal with urgent matters promptly and efficiently
• Solid understanding of relevant legislation
• Ability to work independently, to work under pressure, to use initiative and meet deadlines
• Good administrative skills
• Must be flexible regarding time
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer literate in MS Office Suite
• Typing speed of 60+wpm

Qualification/s

• Matric/National diploma or equivalent qualification
• Secretarial Diploma or equivalent experience
• Excellent typing skills
• At least 5 years experience in a similar or High court litigation background