Intellectual Property Formalities/Legal Secretary - #147168

Schlich is a boutique firm of European Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys based in Littlehampton on the South Coast of England. We have a growing, dynamic, and friendly team, and we are continually expanding both our client base and our personnel.

We are seeking a new recruit to join our team of secretaries who support our regulated attorneys and perform administrative duties for the registration of patents and trade marks. This vacancy is open to those who have prior experience in the field, and equally to those new to Intellectual Property. As such, salary and duties will be dependent upon experience.

This role is varied and interesting, offers challenges and will range from standard secretarial duties (e.g. audio typing/standard letter writing, answering the telephone, diary support for attorneys) to field-specific formalities (e.g. filing applications for various forms of Intellectual Property, occasional project work).

This is an excellent opportunity to build a career in Intellectual Property formalities. Full training will be provided both in-house and externally, with the opportunity to work towards the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys’ (CIPA) Introductory Patent Paralegal Course (IPPC), if not already held.

We offer a range of staff benefits including private healthcare, an eye care scheme, and a hotel benefit. We host annual summer and Christmas parties, and each employee is entitled to one paid volunteer day per year to support a cause of their choice.

The ideal candidate must possess the following skills:

• Computer literate, with good typing skills.
• Experience with MS office systems.
• Appropriate telephone manner.
• Excellent attention to detail and written communication.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• A proactive approach to work, with a willingness to learn.
• The ability to follow procedures and handle confidential information with discretion.
• A collaborative and “team player” mindset.
• A willingness to complete simple finance tasks.
• An interest in developing a career within the field of Intellectual Property (for those new to the profession).

Experience using Equinox or a similar Intellectual Property data management system would be an advantage but is not essential.

Our standard policy permits up to two days remote working per week, unless additional flexibility is required as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act. However, new recruits are expected to work on-site during their training and probation period. Hybrid working will not be offered until training is complete and a satisfactory probationary period has been concluded. For recruits with prior experience in the field, who therefore require less in-depth training, a hybrid working pattern may be considered following a successful induction.

We are an equal opportunities employer and a signatory of IP Inclusive’s EDI Charter. While we are only able to consider applicants who are eligible to work in the UK, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.

To apply, please supply a CV and accompanying cover letter. Please include any requests for reasonable adjustments you require (for the application, interview, and/or induction process) within your cover letter.

• Applications can be submitted via Indeed or emailed directly to Keira Denton at [email protected].