Duties and responsibilities

• Displaying a high level of initiative and being pro-active in practice

• Drafting of documents and original correspondence still to be signed by a qualified legal professional

• Liaising with correspondent clients and attorneys

• Accurate updating of the Intellectual Property system

• Assisting with practice administration, i.e. billing, enquiries, fee collections, etc

• Dealing with urgent matters promptly and efficiently and ensuring that all urgent tasks are completed timeously

• Reading and understanding relevant legislation and conducting independent research in this regard

• Understanding all areas of practice and office procedures in their field

• Attending to trade mark renewals (local and international) as well as to recordal applications (changes of names, changes of address etc.)

• Researching legal requirements of renewals and recordals in foreign countries to ensure that documentation is in compliance with these requirements

• Sending and Receiving Email

• Checking and monitoring standing instructions

• Managing secretary/ies in his/her team

Skills and knowledge

• Computer literacy with competent typing skills

• Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)

• Must understand the debiting procedures

• A meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise duties

• A conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterally

• Someone with a professional attitude

• Ability to give clear instructions to secretary

• Prepared to work long hours where necessary

• Ability to work independently and under supervision

• Ability to handle the pressure of having to cope with large workload

• TradeMarks and / or TradeMark Renewals experience required

Qualification/s

• Matric

• A paralegal diploma will be advantageous.

• Familiarity with Patricia system will be advantageous