Legal Director – Contentious Intellectual Property

Overview

In this Legal Director role, you will lead the contentious IP practice within DWF’s Commercial IP team, handling high-profile disputes across trademarks, copyright, design rights, and patents. You will mentor junior lawyers, foster strong client relationships, and help grow the national IP offering. You’ll work with cross-functional teams to integrate IP advice into wider client initiatives and stay ahead of evolving IP law and market trends. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the practice and contribute to DWF’s market-leading IP footprint.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible, hybrid working
• inclusive environment
• equal opportunities employer
• adjustments or additional support for candidates
• opportunities to work on high-profile matters

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the contentious IP practice within the Commercial team to deliver high-quality, commercially oriented legal services
• Advise on trade mark, copyright, design right and patent infringement disputes, as well as passing off, confidential information and domain name matters
• Monitor IP developments and market trends to inform clients and colleagues
• Manage an independent caseload while collaborating with senior IP specialists
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed IP advice in broader client initiatives
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted IP adviser
• Support business development to grow the IP practice and enhance market profile of DWF’s IP offering

Key requirements

• Broad experience advising on a wide range of contentious IP matters including trademarks, copyright, design rights and patent disputes
• Strong knowledge of IP enforcement, infringement claims, passing off, confidential information and domain name disputes
• Experience representing clients across multiple sectors on strategic IP protection and dispute resolution
• Proven ability to manage complex IP disputes autonomously with commercial judgement
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to build and maintain client relationships and work under pressure
• Previous experience growing an IP team is beneficial

• Negotiation
• Communication (verbal and written)
• Client relationship management
• Trademarks
• Copyright
• Design rights

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