Senior Associate - Trade Marks

Due to an internal move, we have an opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic Senior Associate to join AJ Park's team of trade mark and branding experts. You’ll have upward of 6 years' PQE, and whilst being based in Wellington would be ideal, we are open to remote working arrangements for the right candidate. 

You will join a skilled team in a fast-paced environment that manages a large trade mark practice with matters for local and international clients who span a variety of industries and sectors and range from emerging innovators through to large corporates. You will have the opportunity to work on some cool subject matter with experts in their field and with some of the world’s largest and most exciting brands, as well as some of the most innovative New Zealand businesses.

This role encompasses end-to-end trade mark client portfolio management, including proactively collaborating with clients, providing strategic advice, and managing their international trade mark portfolios. You will need to be able to take direct responsibility for client work with minimum supervision, providing advice and expertise.

With the ability to juggle multiple priorities, you’ll be involved in anything from liaising with IPONZ and IP Australia, to devising international filing strategies, all while translating legal jargon into plain English. You will be conducting and reporting trade mark searches, filing and prosecuting applications in New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands and beyond, and preparing evidence of use. You will be working with an international cohort of trade mark specialists to ensure our clients brands are protected and enforced.

You will also provide support, mentoring and development to more junior members of the team and have an appetite to drive business development and build the AJ Park profile and your own professional network.

Strong communication skills are a must, with the ability to think commercially and critically when providing advice for clients. Clarity, effectiveness, and persuasiveness are essential. You will be surrounded by experienced practitioners within the immediate team and firm - this means a collaborative approach is critical, as is the ability to be flexible.

You will be comfortable self-managing meeting and managing financial targets, including day book, WIP, debtors, billable and non-billable hours.

What’s in it for you?

Be part of a dynamic and inclusive team, where you will gain excellent experience and structured career development.  We offer competitive remuneration (salary plus incentive scheme) along with benefits as follows:

• Medical insurance
• Paid parental leave of up to 18 weeks plus 3 weeks' partner leave
• Leave purchase scheme (up to 2 weeks)
• Formal professional development programs
• Structured wellness program, including a paid Wellness Benefit
• Flexible working, with hybrid working as standard
• Social club
• Beautiful new offices in the heart of the CBD

Who are we?

We are not your typical law firm.  We dress for our day, have a flat structure and a collegial vibe where bringing your whole self to work is at the heart of who we are.

AJ Park is the IP firm of choice in New Zealand.  We support our clients with intelligent action and are well respected both within the patent profession and by the clients we work with.

We offer a rewarding career, community and team spirit and opportunities to develop technically and personally. Find out more about us here.

To apply please email your CV, reference details and full academic transcript to careers@ajpark.com.

Please note that this opportunity is only open to residents of New Zealand.