Paralegal (CIPA / CITMA)

As a Paralegal within the Patents team, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-level paralegal support to clients and fee earners. Working closely with attorneys and trainees, you will manage complex administrative tasks, ensure compliance with legal standards and contribute to the smooth running of patent operations. You will also act as a key liaison between the fee earning team and internal Business Services, promoting collaboration and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Legal and Administrative Support

• Prepare and file ancillary documents via EPO, UKIPO, WIPO and other relevant databases.
• Draft and format documents, presentations and assist with official communications using standard email templates.
• Monitor case details and deadlines using the firm’s bespoke records management system.
• Manage case files and electronic records using iManage, including file creation and closure.
• Assist fee earners in retrieving information from IP-related websites and databases.
• Coordinate with external service providers to obtain and process formal documents.

Client and Team Collaboration

• Maintain high standards of client care and responsiveness.
• Access, update, and upload information to external client portals.
• Assist with attorney diary management and prompt tracking.
• Book internal and external meetings and prepare/distribute meeting minutes.
• Support internal and client-related travel and accommodation arrangements.

Operational and Strategic Support

• Provide assistance to the Paralegal Professional Lead and Head of Department as required.
• Assist professionals with expense claims.
• Log chargeable and no-chargeable hours accurately.
• Assist professionals with electronic billing.
• Offer general support to colleagues and contribute to team initiatives.
• Undertake additional professional tasks as identified.

Skills and Competencies

Essential

• CIPA qualified or demonstrable experience in the field of patents.

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor and role model for paralegals and trainees.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal skills for effective client and colleague interactions.
• Organisation: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines with precision.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in handling legal documents and procedures.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, legal databases, billing and project management tools.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical mindset with the ability to resolve complex issues efficiently.
• Interpersonal Skills: Collaborative and approachable, with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Confidentiality: Uphold ethical standards and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

The Company

Potter Clarkson LLP is one of the leading pan-European Intellectual Property law firms, with seven offices across the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Germany.

We offer clients a full IP service to support them in achieving their commercial objectives. We pride ourselves in the exceptional level of client care offered by our approachable and engaged team.

The firm is consistently ranked in the top tier of major legal guides, such as Legal 500 and MIP. We also hold three independent ISO accreditations which evidence our high level of environmental awareness, service provision and information security.

We are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, and supporting the wellbeing of all our people. We offer a wealth of health and wellbeing benefits and resources including healthcare, attractive flexible working options, sports and social groups, virtual yoga and mindfulness sessions, a virtual wellbeing hub, mental health first aiders, and a busy social calendar.

Benefits 

• We offer a flexible working policy, with employees expected to be in the office two - three days per week. Initially, the successful candidate will need to work in the office full-time to facilitate their training and integration into the company.
• Competitive salary, dependant on experience.
• Birthday leave.
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
• One paid day off per year for charitable work.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Electric car scheme.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Health care packages.
• Discount vouchers.
• Cycle to work.
• Company aways days.

We are committed to providing a highly supportive, inclusive and stimulating workplace for all our people. Read more about how we’re building a more equal, diverse and inclusive culture here