About Us
Successful businesses rely on a unique set of
ideas
and
people
. We help our clients protect and develop those vital assets, unlocking
possibilities
for future success.
From iconic brands and leading multinationals to pioneering start-ups, we are proud to work with a huge range of inspiring clients, helping them to turn their ideas into reality and get the best from - and for - their people.
Our people are not only exceptional at what they do, they also enjoy doing it and consistently give their best to a firm they are proud to be part of. This stems from our
firm culture
and our ethos of
bravery and kindness
. That ethos runs through everything we do, from our approach to recruitment, business practices, and DEI activities to the day-to-day environment in our office and our relationships with clients.
With an internationally minded team of more than 700 working across key areas of law – plus strategic partnerships around the world – we've got both the combination and calibre of legal experts it takes to enable our clients' businesses to thrive. Whether it is providing global employment law advice, managing a global IP portfolio or piecing together a multijurisdictional corporate transaction, we are able to have the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
About the team
Our DCC team is our commercial, technology and regulatory practice, offering market-leading expertise and deep sector knowledge.
The team is fast-growing and highly ranked by the leading national legal benchmarking publications.
Made up of 14 partners and 24 Associates across the UK, the team are recognised leaders in their field and work on everything from technology and AI deals (buy and deploy side) to technology and consumer regulation and route to market strategies (like platforms, agencies, distribution, and franchises). They handle IP-rich deals like video games development and publishing, sponsorship, advertising and marketing, branded content, talent, rights licensing, and content production agreements, as well as outsourcing and media buying.
About the role
Knowledge growth is absolutely core to the team and its future success, and that of our clients. As such, the team currently includes two managing knowledge lawyers who support our fee earners and clients with their knowledge needs. This role is a 9 month fixed-term maternity cover for one of the existing knowledge lawyers.
This is a fantastic role for someone who loves technology, commercial and IP law, drafting contract templates and clauses, and also loves the technical side of being a commercial lawyer; someone who enjoys writing thought leadership articles (and collaborating with other knowledge lawyers, lawyers and business support teams across the firm to write content) and working with a hard-working, close knit and fun team. We are also looking for a passion for legal tech and how it can be used to make lawyers' and clients' lives easier and more efficient.
In this role, you will work closely with the existing knowledge lawyer in the team (there will inevitably be some overlap of skills), and there is plenty of potential to play to your own strengths.
The role will focus on core practice development, including:
* creating and updating a wide range of commercial and tech contract templates (we have an existing suite but maintenance and contract automation are priorities);
* writing thought leadership articles;
* a passion for the application of legal technology, such as contract automation and other legal tech software is highly desirable as we are seeking a knowledge lawyer help in improving the efficiency of our fee earners;
* supporting the current knowledge lawyer to run our monthly 'thought leadership' and 'client need to know' sessions, including devising the content of the session;
* dealing with ad hoc questions from the team;
* working with our business development colleagues to ensure we are best explaining what we do and what we can offer;
* working with content for our website and intranet, including ensuring that knowledge is appropriately stored, searchable and retrievable;
* evaluating existing know-how and current awareness sources and assessing their effectiveness, and identifying the know-how requirements and training needs of our commercial lawyers, trainees and new joiners to the firm.
About you
The successful candidate is likely to be an experienced commercial, technology and regulatory lawyer, looking to move to a Knowledge Lawyer (KL) role or currently working in a KL role. Candidates must have legal qualifications and experience in commercial law. We are looking for someone with a genuine enthusiasm for the law, legal tech and the technical ability to help research difficult and novel legal issues. We expect the successful candidate to have a minimum of 5 years PQE (England & Wales) but with no maximum set, as this is a bespoke role for the right candidate with the right mix of knowledge and marketing skills.
The candidate must be a team player with strong interpersonal skills, who will enjoy working in a fast-paced professional and friendly team. Good practical knowledge of IT and know how systems would be helpful.
The right candidate will also be able to demonstrate:
* Strong writing and analytical skills.
* Sound and effective organisational skills.
* Clear communication style (both spoken and written) when liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
* Flair for drafting/journalism will be an advantage.
* An ability to demonstrate inquisitive and creative thinking.
* Energy for driving the growth of the firm whilst recognising our culture and ethos.
At Lewis Silkin our ethos is simple. We strive to do the best for our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. We recognise that an inclusive workplace allows for all kinds of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, and a wide range of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diversity within Lewis Silkin and of our culture that allows people to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients. We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process by supporting anyone who requires adjustments, in order to ensure they have the opportunity to perform at their best. All applicants will be considered equally and fairly. If you'd like to request any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, or would like to discuss flexible working patterns, please email the recruitment team in confidence ).