SENIOR ASSOCIATE (COMMERCIAL / IP) – Competitive Salary + Bonus – Southampton / Winchester / Bournemouth – Hybrid Working, Healthcare, Generous Holiday
The Job
A leading South Coast law firm is seeking a Senior Associate (minimum 5 years’ PQE) to join its well-established and growing Commercial team.
This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the largest commercial teams in the region, with a strong reputation for high-quality IP and commercial advisory work. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing the firm’s IP offering, including oversight of its in-house international trade mark practice.
The role can be based in Southampton, Winchester or Bournemouth.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing trade mark prosecution work from application through to registration, including oppositions and appeals
Navigating UK and EU IPO processes and procedures
Supervising a CITMA-qualified trademark paralegal within the in-house trade mark practice
Negotiating and drafting a wide range of IP agreements (licensing, assignment, ownership arrangements)
Advising start-ups and established businesses on protection and commercialisation of IP rights
Drafting and reviewing commercial agreements including:
Software licensing (traditional and SaaS)
IT support and maintenance agreements
IT integration agreements
Distribution, agency and franchise agreements
Services agreements
Advising on trademarks, designs, copyright and general IP strategy (with working knowledge of patents)
Supporting IP dispute matters, including drafting pleadings, liaising with counsel and settlement negotiations
Actively contributing to business development and winning new work
Supporting and mentoring junior team members This is a senior role offering significant responsibility, high-quality work and genuine progression potential.
The Candidate
Minimum 5 years’ PQE (flexibility considered for the right candidate)
Strong and demonstrable experience in IP law, particularly trade mark prosecution
Detailed knowledge of UK and EU IPO procedures
Experience supervising junior team members or support staff
Expertise in negotiating and drafting IP and commercial agreements
Experience in IP dispute work
Broad knowledge of commercial law
International experience (pre-Brexit) advantageous
Commercially astute with strong business development skills
Willingness to contribute to blogs, seminars and training initiatives
Excellent drafting, negotiation and communication skills
The Package
Competitive salary
Bonus scheme
Hybrid working
Clear career progression pathway
Generous holiday allowance
Healthcare provision
City centre office locations
Active social and charity initiatives
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Modus Talent is a specialist recruitment consultancy focused on delivering high-quality permanent recruitment solutions across professional and commercial functions. We work closely with businesses to support hires across finance, business support, sales, marketing, operations and leadership roles, partnering with clients on both individual appointments and long-term hiring strategies.
Our approach is methodical, consultative and tailored — offering more than just CVs. Our services include bespoke recruitment solutions, targeted search and selection, candidate profiling, market insight, and end-to-end recruitment support designed to create lasting placements for both clients and candidates.
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