Associate – IP Disputes (Life Sciences)

Overview

In this role you will handle high-value patent disputes in the UK life sciences space, supporting cross-border litigation for major pharma, biotech and life sciences clients. You will work within a collaborative international platform to develop strategy, draft detailed pleadings, and deliver practical legal advice. The role blends technical life sciences knowledge with sophisticated IP litigation to drive results for clients. This is a chance to shape complex cases in a market-leading practice while contributing to cross-jurisdictional initiatives.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible working arrangements
• private medical insurance
• enhanced family-friendly policies
• wellbeing support
• tailored benefits options
• discretionary performance-based bonuses

Responsibilities

• Handle complex patent litigation in the UK life sciences sector
• Manage and support multi-jurisdictional patent disputes across life sciences technologies
• Draft, review and prepare pleadings and technical submissions
• Support partners in developing litigation strategy and case management approaches
• Collaborate with colleagues across jurisdictions on coordinated international disputes
• Progress and execute high-value IP litigation matters
• Provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice to clients
• Assist in business development and client relationship management
• Support knowledge sharing and development of junior team members

Key requirements

• Approximately 3–5 years’ PQE in leading IP litigation or life sciences disputes
• Strong experience in UK patent litigation, ideally within life sciences (essential)
• Academic background in a relevant scientific discipline (Biochemistry, Chemistry, Microbiology, Molecular or Cellular Biology)
• Strong technical understanding of intellectual property law
• Experience on complex, multi-party or cross-border litigation matters
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex workstreams within high-pressure litigation
• Strong academic credentials
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within international teams
• Commercial awareness and understanding of client priorities in contentious matters

• Collaborative mindset
• Analytical thinking
• Strong communication skills
• UK patent litigation
• Life sciences IP knowledge
• Drafting legal documents and pleadings

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