Intellectual Property Senior Associate

Intellectual Property l Senior Associate A highly regarded and fast-growing UK law firm is looking to appoint a Senior Associate to join its Intellectual Property team in Manchester. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced IP lawyer who enjoys high-quality contentious work, direct client exposure, and genuine support for career development within a progressive and entrepreneurial environment. Working closely with partners as part of a national team, this role offers daily involvement in complex and high-profile IP disputes for clients operating in the sports, fashion and brand-led sectors. The Opportunity This position will suit a commercially minded and ambitious IP lawyer who thrives in a collaborative, down-to-earth culture and wants to play an active role in shaping their practice. The firm is known for encouraging individuality, celebrating new ideas, and supporting lawyers who want to build their profile and progress long term. You will be given real autonomy over your matters, alongside structured mentoring, opportunities to supervise junior lawyers, and encouragement to engage in business development and professional networks. Key Responsibilities - Managing and advising on intellectual property disputes and litigation, including trade marks, passing off, copyright, design rights and patents - Taking ownership of matters within a busy and varied IP workload - Working closely with partners on complex and strategically important cases - Supervising, mentoring and supporting junior members of the team - Actively engaging in business development and profile-raising activities, both internally and externally Candidate Profile This role is ideally suited to an Associate or Senior Associate with 5+ years' PQE specialising in intellectual property within a fast-paced, client-focused environment. You will demonstrate: - Strong technical expertise across core areas of IP law - Enthusiasm for business development, marketing and networking - Strong academic background, including the Oxford University Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law & Practice (or equivalent) - While not essential, candidates with a developing client base or market following will be particularly well received. Why Apply? This is a rare chance to join a dynamic and growing IP practice within a firm that combines high-quality work with a genuinely supportive and friendly culture. If you are an IP litigation lawyer looking to take the next step in your career with a firm that invests in its people and values individuality, this role should be on your radar. For more information regarding this IP disputes role, please contact Nicola O'Hanlon at BCL Legal for a confidential conversation. BCL Legal is an equal opportunities employer.