Patent Paralegal

About the firm

Our client is a long-established, top-ranked European IP practice with a growing headcount and offices in the UK and abroad. They are known for an ambitious but relaxed and friendly culture, and a highly regarded paralegal team.

The role

This is a senior, client-facing position. You’ll run your own fee-earning patent and designs portfolio, backed by administrative support, working directly with clients and attorneys. You’ll also help shape how the support function develops and mentor junior colleagues.

Key responsibilities

• Running your caseload end to end, from preparing and filing new applications to managing official deadlines and the diary.
• Acting as clients’ main procedural contact, joining meetings and calls, and keeping them updated in plain, non-technical terms.
• Checking incoming official letters and foreign agent reports, docketing deadlines and reporting to clients.
• Allocating work between attorneys and support colleagues and prioritising sensibly.
• Billing your portfolio, including bespoke fee arrangements, preparing cost estimates and approving incoming invoices; recording time on all chargeable work.
• Training and mentoring junior team members, and flagging service risks and improvement ideas.

About you

• Substantial experience as a patent paralegal, ideally in private practice.
• CIPA IPPC/IPAC qualified as a minimum
• Confident with clients, building trust and handling expectations.
• Highly organised, accurate and able to switch between priorities in a busy environment.
• Comfortable making decisions, delegating and supporting others. Proficient in Microsoft Office.