Associate

Farrer & Co is a forward-looking law firm, with a rich history. A lively commercial practice (with clients ranging from universities to media companies and sports bodies to banks) builds on a centuries-long tradition of advising Businesses, Financial Services, Individuals, Families and Family Offices (IFFO), Education and Not For Profit organisations.  Our strategy is continually to strengthen our position as a top quality, independent law firm that has the confidence to be distinctive and which attracts clients and individuals who share our values.

We look to be the market leader in our chosen areas of expertise, advising clients on the contentious and non-contentious legal, business and personal issues they face.

Our reputation and success is based on the goodwill of numerous close client relationships. We are trusted advisers, acting in our clients' long-term interests and paying careful attention to quality and personal service.

Our clients tell us they value us for our integrity, good judgement and professional excellence, as well as our broad perspective, practical solutions and value for money. They describe us as 'a likeable bunch' too.

We advise on a wide range of commercial matters, very often with intangible assets – intellectual property rights, brands, knowledge, information, personal data – at stake.  We help our clients create, protect and commercialise these intangible assets in the most effective way.  We have a wealth of experience across a number of sectors, including publishing, financial services, cultural organisations, sports bodies, universities and schools. We provide legal advice that is both practical and commercial, to help clients achieve their longer-term strategic and business goals.

The IP & Commercial team participates in  many of the firm's marketing and business development activities, so the successful applicant must be enthusiastic about writing articles, delivering presentations, attending networking events and traveling, sometimes overseas, for conferences.

The Associates in the IP & Commercial team also occasionally have the opportunity to fulfil full time or part time secondments with key clients so the successful applicant must be willing to go on client secondments if called upon to do so.

This role will report to one or more Partners and will work within the IP & Commercial team which sits within a wider Commercial Department alongside the Corporate, Banking & Financial Services, Employment and Charities & Communities teams.  The work will, at least initially, be with clients in all sectors we serve.

The main focus of the role will be on general contract (especially IT contracts), intellectual property and data protection. It is therefore essential that the successful applicant have a solid background in and understanding of the following non-contentious work:

• commercial contracts (in particular IT and outsourcing contracts);
• intellectual property (especially copyright and trade marks); and
• data protection.

Other areas of law where a degree of familiarity would be beneficial (but is not essential) include:

• IP/IT due diligence;
• databases
• trade mark registry procedures;
• public procurement;
• freedom of information;
• design law;
• consumer law;
• competition law.

• High level of technical knowledge relating to intellectual property, data protection and contract law.
• A commercial, problem-solving approach.Efficient communication skills and the ability to communicate advice to the person receiving it.
• The ability to deal with many matters at any one time.
• The organisation skills to keep files in order and to move transactions to completion effectively.

Applicants should combine high intellectual calibre with a pragmatic and commercial approach to the law.

An enthusiasm for team work and an ability to assume responsibility and deal efficiently with a varied and often demanding workload are key requirements.

Fee earners at every level at Farrer & Co have a high degree of client contact. The successful applicant must be comfortable meeting and speaking with clients and other professionals.

Ideally a successful candidate should be ambitious and with a keen interest in two or more of education, culture, sport, financial services and business.

The candidate will be expected to become an integral part of an established and highly regarded team.

Minimum 2.1 degree and a training contract undertaken in a mid-sized or city firm.