Job Description

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 Local Partners Accurate updating of the Intellectual Property system Assisting with practice administration, i.e. WIP, billing, enquiries, fee collections, etc Dealing with urgent matters promptly and efficiently and ensuring that all urgent tasks are completed timeously Attending to cost estimates to clients 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 Emails / status report to clients / follow ups with Local Partners Checking and monitoring standing instructions Managing secretary/ies within 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, must be assertive and able to delegate work within team 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 Trade Mark Prosecution and/or Trade Mark Renewals experience required

Qualification/s

Matric Paralegal * University Degree (an advantage)