Patent Secretary | London

Job summary

?The Company Our client is a full-service European intellectual property firm at the forefront of a rapidly changing IP landscape. As a trusted adviser to many world-class companies and brands, the firm has been regarded as a pioneer in handling intellectual property for over 200 years. It offers a truly integrated service, managing clients’ intellectual property from inception to commercialisation, enforcement, litigation, and defence. The Role On behalf of our client, we are seeking a Patent Secretary on a 12 month fixed term contract to support attorneys within a leading intellectual property practice. The patent support function is instrumental to the business, ensuring attorneys and clients receive high-quality administrative and organisational assistance. In this role, you will provide full PA and administrative support to approximately six fee earners of within their Chemistry team Responsibilities will include • Work closely with allocated fee earners, meeting regularly to review progress, discuss upcoming work, and provide updates on outstanding matters. • Manage inboxes as required. • Provide comprehensive diary management, including scheduling and coordinating in-person and virtual meetings, preparing relevant papers and presentations, and managing all associated logistics such as room bookings, refreshments, and liaison with internal teams. • Manage extensive international travel itineraries, coordinating flights, accommodation, and schedules. • Prepare invoices by reviewing and editing narratives, verifying client details, receiving unbilled WIP lists, and liaising with the accounts team as required. • Monitor e-workspaces and inboxes when fee earners are away, dealing with files independently where possible. • Attend team meetings and practice group meetings. • Prepare standard reporting letters proactively with minimal supervision. • Amend letters, emails, and specifications (including using tracked changes), ensuring documents are delivered accurately and to a consistently high standard. • Prepare papers and bundles for oral proceedings. • Manage files, including liaising with records teams to open new cases, update special instructions, scan documents, and manage case files via the document management system. • Create and maintain pages and publish material on the intranet. The Person The ideal candidate is proactive and able to work on their own initiative while also being a strong team player. You will be highly organised, resilient, and comfortable working to tight deadlines in a professional services environment. Candidate requirements • Previous relevant office experience as a Patent Secretary, Patent Administrator, or Legal Secretary within an intellectual property or legal team. • Proactive, with the ability to anticipate problems and devise practical solutions. • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. • Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload and manage turnaround times effectively. • Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure. The Salary £45,000 – £50,000 per annum, depending on experience. The Contract: 12 month fixed term contract. The Hours Full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Location: London, WC1B (close to Holborn Station) The Benefits • 25 days’ annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to 28 days. • Employer pension contribution of 5% in the first year, increasing to 10% after one year’s service. • Private medical insurance. • Life assurance of 4x base salary. • Income-protection cover for up to 5 years, compensating for up to 75% of base salary. • Cycle-to-work scheme. • Season-ticket loan. • One paid corporate volunteering day per year.