Rutherford
Patents NQ: March 2027 Intake
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About the Role
Our client is a leading US law firm who is seeking to hire into its highly regarded Intellectual Property team, with a focus on Patents. The group advises multinational corporates, technology companies, life sciences businesses and financial sponsors on complex contentious and non-contentious patent matters across the UK and internationally.
This is an opportunity to work closely with market-leading partners and associates on high-profile patent litigation, strategic portfolio management and cross-border disputes, with exposure to mandates spanning the UK, Europe (including UPC matters), the US and other major jurisdictions.
Work Highlights
The practice advises an impressive client base including global technology companies, pharmaceutical and biotech businesses, medical device manufacturers, and innovative growth-stage companies.
Lawyers in the team advise across a broad range of patent matters, including:
- High-value patent litigation before the UK High Court and Court of Appeal
- Unified Patent Court (UPC) litigation and strategy
- Cross-border patent disputes and coordination of multi-jurisdictional proceedings
- Patent validity and infringement analysis
- Strategic patent portfolio management and enforcement strategies
- Freedom-to-operate and risk assessment advice
- IP due diligence in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions
- Settlement negotiations and licensing disputes
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The team regularly works on technically complex cases involving cutting-edge technologies in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, telecoms, electronics, software and engineering.
Candidate Profile
Trainee Solicitor at a leading City, IP specialist or international firm, qualifying in March 2027 with a seat in Intellectual Property or Dispute Resolution
- Strong academic background, ideally with a scientific or technical degree (preferred but not essential depending on focus)
- Experience in patent litigation or broader IP disputes
- Analytical mindset with the ability to engage with complex technical subject matter
- Commercially minded with an interest in innovation-driven sectors
- Enthusiastic about client development and working in a collaborative, international environment
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a US firm with a strong global IP reputation as it continues to build its London presence. You will gain exposure to strategically important, high-value patent disputes and advisory work alongside a collaborative and ambitious team.
Contact Information
Rutherford is a leading legal recruiter that also works closely with tier one sponsors, buyside firms and investment banks for in-house roles. Please get in contact if you would like to be alerted to the most exciting Counsel opportunities.
To find more of our jobs please visit our website: https://www.rutherfordsearch.com/jobs
Job Reference: NWC3318
Keywords: Patents, Patent Litigation, Intellectual Property, UPC, Life Sciences, Technology Disputes, Cross-Border IP, London, US Law Firm, NQ PQE, High Court Litigation
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