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IP Support.

We specialise in IP and business services vacancies for private practice firms, in-house legal teams, and IP service providers.

Established in 1997, The Law Support Group is a longstanding and leading name in the legal recruitment industry. IP Support is the most recent addition to the group, headed up by experienced IP Paralegal and IP Recruitment Manager, Daniel John.

IP Support specialises in the recruitment of professional and business service support staff of all levels. Patent & Trade Mark Secretaries, Administrators, Formalities Clerks and Paralegals all come to us for our advice, expertise and ability to confidentially guide them through their careers. We also partner Accounts, HR, Finance, IT, BD & Marketing and Office Support Services staff in their search for a new position.

We are also able to assist technical staff in their search for a new opportunity and have successfully recruited a number of Patent Analysts, Searchers and IP Managers. Our ability to understand the scope of the work carried out in these roles has been instrumental in us gaining candidates and clients trust in such a specialist area.

Our knowledge of the IP industry paralleled with The Law Support Group’s broad client reach enables us to present candidates with an unrivalled variety of unique opportunities. Acting for clients throughout the UK and Europe, our informative consultants work with a wide variety of businesses, from Patent & Trade Mark Attorney practices to in-house IP departments, magic and silver circle law firms, US and International law firms and specialist boutique practices.

Advising such a variety of clients on all recruitment matters provides us with a deep understanding of the IP market. We regularly advise on recruitment strategies, salary surveys, benefits packages, departmental set-ups and much more. We also advise candidates on career opportunities, alternative career paths and the IP market in general.

Our ability to listen and think outside of the box has been paramount in assisting candidates and clients find the perfect match. We recognise that every IP department operates differently which is why we focus on matching individuals to careers, not job titles.

Whether you work in private practice or are a part of an in-house team, whether you are looking for a new position or looking for a new addition to your team, our consultants are always happy to take a call.

IP Support.

Here’s where you can put a face to the name! Take a look at all of our experienced and helpful team members profiles’ below. You'll find contact details for each person here, too.

IP Support.

IP Support
Patent Secretary
Cambridge
Up to - £49,000
Patent Secretary The Opportunity IP Support is working with a well-regarded intellectual property practice seeking an experienced Patent Secretary to join its busy support team. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and detail-focused professional with a strong background in IP administration. You will provide a broad range of secretarial and administrative support, helping to keep patent matters progressing smoothly, maintaining accurate records and ensuring important deadlines are met. The successful candidate will enjoy working collaboratively, take a proactive approach to their responsibilities and be confident supporting fee earners with a varied and often time-sensitive workload. The Role Provide day-to-day secretarial and administrative support to fee earners, including preparing and amending correspondence, documents and patent-related paperwork. Manage incoming communications, respond to routine queries and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and clients. Support the preparation and processing of patent and design-related applications and associated documentation. Maintain accurate electronic files, client information and case records, ensuring documentation is correctly saved and easily accessible. Monitor deadlines, maintain reminder systems and prepare regular reports highlighting upcoming and outstanding actions. Liaise with relevant internal teams to ensure records are updated, instructions are actioned and case information remains accurate. Assist with client billing, including preparing invoices, account documentation and adjustments where required. Follow established procedures and client-specific requirements, including maintaining records across relevant online platforms. Provide general support with disclosure-related documentation and other procedural requirements. Assist with the induction and training of new team members where appropriate. Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence, helping to maintain a consistent level of service across the team. Your Profile At least three years' experience working within an intellectual property practice, ideally in a Patent Secretarial, Patent Administration role or IP Administration role. A CIPA qualification. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel. Experience using IP case management systems; familiarity with relevant document management software would also be advantageous. Excellent organisational skills, with a methodical approach to managing records, documentation and deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to liaise professionally with colleagues and clients. A high level of accuracy and attention to detail when handling technical documents and case-related information. The ability to prioritise competing demands, work independently and use initiative when progressing routine tasks. A flexible and supportive approach, with a willingness to assist colleagues and contribute to the wider team. What's on Offer? The opportunity to develop your career within a specialist IP environment. A varied role supporting a busy Patent team. The chance to work collaboratively with experienced professionals. A competitive salary and benefits package. If you have a background in Patent Secretarial or IP Administration work and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
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IP Support
Patent Paralegal
London
£30,000 - £45,000
Patent Paralegal The Opportunity IP Support is working with a respected intellectual property practice seeking a Patent Paralegal to provide vital support to its London Patent team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Patent Paralegal, Patent Administrator or Patent Secretary who enjoys working in a busy environment, takes a proactive approach to their work and is confident managing a varied workload. You will play an important role in supporting the smooth running of the team, ensuring that administrative processes are handled efficiently and key deadlines are met. The Role Provide comprehensive administrative and paralegal assistance to Patent Attorneys, including preparing correspondence, document production and billing support. Review incoming communications, assess priorities and ensure urgent matters are dealt with promptly. Maintain accurate case records, manage files and monitor important dates and deadlines. Coordinate diaries, arrange meetings and assist with the day-to-day organisation of the team. Monitor outstanding matters and help ensure continuity of service when attorneys are unavailable. Progress routine paralegal tasks independently, using initiative and sound judgement to manage day-to-day responsibilities. Assist with the allocation of work to junior support staff and provide guidance and on-the-job training when needed. Manage competing priorities effectively, ensuring all work is completed accurately and within required timescales. Your Profile A minimum of two years' experience in Patent Paralegal, Patent Administrator or Patent Secretarial work. Previous experience working in a busy professional services environment, ideally within intellectual property. Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain accuracy when working with confidential case information and important deadlines. Strong organisational skills, with a structured and logical approach to completing tasks. The ability to manage changing priorities and balance multiple deadlines effectively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. A collaborative approach, with the ability to establish positive working relationships with colleagues and clients. The confidence to work independently, take ownership of responsibilities and use initiative. A flexible attitude and enthusiasm for learning and developing professionally. The Benefits The opportunity to develop your career within intellectual property. A varied position supporting an established Patent team. A professional environment where organisation, teamwork and attention to detail are valued. A competitive salary and benefits package. If you have Patent Paralegal or Patent Secretarial experience and are considering your next career move, please get in touch with IP Support for a confidential discussion.
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IP Support
Patent Paralegal
Southampton
£29,000 - £39,000
Patent Paralegal Location: LondonSalary: Competitive, plus excellent benefits The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Patent Paralegal to join a busy and collaborative intellectual property team in Southampton. Working closely with Patent Attorneys, you will provide essential secretarial and paralegal support, helping to ensure cases progress efficiently and all deadlines are met. This role would suit an organised, proactive individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced professional environment, takes pride in producing accurate work and can confidently manage competing priorities. The Role Provide day-to-day secretarial and paralegal support to Patent Attorneys, including preparing correspondence, audio and copy typing, and assisting with client billing. Review incoming communications, identify urgent matters and ensure work is directed appropriately. Manage case files and maintain accurate records, reminders and deadlines. Assist with diary management, scheduling appointments and coordinating commitments. Monitor communications during periods of attorney absence, ensuring urgent matters are addressed promptly. Handle routine paralegal tasks independently, using initiative to resolve queries and progress work. Support junior team members by allocating tasks and providing guidance and informal training where required. Manage a varied workload, ensuring time-sensitive matters are completed accurately and within the relevant deadlines. Your Profile At least two years' experience in a Patent Paralegal, Patent Administrator or Patent Secretarial role within a busy professional environment. Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accuracy when handling complex or time-sensitive work. Strong organisational skills and a methodical approach to managing tasks and case-related information. The ability to prioritise effectively and adapt to changing workloads and deadlines. Confident communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and clients. A proactive approach, with the confidence to work independently and use initiative when dealing with day-to-day responsibilities. The flexibility to adapt to the differing requirements of attorneys and clients. A willingness to learn, develop new skills and contribute positively to the wider team. What's on Offer? A varied role within a busy Patent team. The opportunity to work closely with experienced Patent Attorneys. A supportive and professional working environment. A competitive salary and excellent benefits package. If you are an experienced Patent Paralegal, Patent Administrator or Patent Secretary looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you.
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IP Support
Patent Paralegal
Manchester
About the firm Our client is a long-established, top-ranked European IP practice with a growing headcount and offices in the UK and abroad. They are known for an ambitious but relaxed and friendly culture, and a highly regarded paralegal team. The role This is a senior, client-facing position. You’ll run your own fee-earning patent and designs portfolio, backed by administrative support, working directly with clients and attorneys. You’ll also help shape how the support function develops and mentor junior colleagues. Key responsibilities Running your caseload end to end, from preparing and filing new applications to managing official deadlines and the diary. Acting as clients’ main procedural contact, joining meetings and calls, and keeping them updated in plain, non-technical terms. Checking incoming official letters and foreign agent reports, docketing deadlines and reporting to clients. Allocating work between attorneys and support colleagues and prioritising sensibly. Billing your portfolio, including bespoke fee arrangements, preparing cost estimates and approving incoming invoices; recording time on all chargeable work. Training and mentoring junior team members, and flagging service risks and improvement ideas. About you Substantial experience as a patent paralegal, ideally in private practice. CIPA IPPC/IPAC qualified as a minimum Confident with clients, building trust and handling expectations. Highly organised, accurate and able to switch between priorities in a busy environment. Comfortable making decisions, delegating and supporting others. Proficient in Microsoft Office.
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IP Support
Patent Paralegal
Bristol
About the firm Our client is a long-established, top-ranked European IP practice with a growing headcount and offices in the UK and abroad. They are known for an ambitious but relaxed and friendly culture, and a highly regarded paralegal team. The role This is a senior, client-facing position. You’ll run your own fee-earning patent and designs portfolio, backed by administrative support, working directly with clients and attorneys. You’ll also help shape how the support function develops and mentor junior colleagues. Key responsibilities Running your caseload end to end, from preparing and filing new applications to managing official deadlines and the diary. Acting as clients’ main procedural contact, joining meetings and calls, and keeping them updated in plain, non-technical terms. Checking incoming official letters and foreign agent reports, docketing deadlines and reporting to clients. Allocating work between attorneys and support colleagues and prioritising sensibly. Billing your portfolio, including bespoke fee arrangements, preparing cost estimates and approving incoming invoices; recording time on all chargeable work. Training and mentoring junior team members, and flagging service risks and improvement ideas. About you Substantial experience as a patent paralegal, ideally in private practice. CIPA IPPC/IPAC qualified as a minimum Confident with clients, building trust and handling expectations. Highly organised, accurate and able to switch between priorities in a busy environment. Comfortable making decisions, delegating and supporting others. Proficient in Microsoft Office.
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IP Support
Patent Paralegal
Cambridge
About the firm Our client is a long-established, top-ranked European IP practice with a growing headcount and offices in the UK and abroad. They are known for an ambitious but relaxed and friendly culture, and a highly regarded paralegal team. The role This is a senior, client-facing position. You’ll run your own fee-earning patent and designs portfolio, backed by administrative support, working directly with clients and attorneys. You’ll also help shape how the support function develops and mentor junior colleagues. Key responsibilities Running your caseload end to end, from preparing and filing new applications to managing official deadlines and the diary. Acting as clients’ main procedural contact, joining meetings and calls, and keeping them updated in plain, non-technical terms. Checking incoming official letters and foreign agent reports, docketing deadlines and reporting to clients. Allocating work between attorneys and support colleagues and prioritising sensibly. Billing your portfolio, including bespoke fee arrangements, preparing cost estimates and approving incoming invoices; recording time on all chargeable work. Training and mentoring junior team members, and flagging service risks and improvement ideas. About you Substantial experience as a patent paralegal, ideally in private practice. CIPA IPPC/IPAC qualified as a minimum Confident with clients, building trust and handling expectations. Highly organised, accurate and able to switch between priorities in a busy environment. Comfortable making decisions, delegating and supporting others. Proficient in Microsoft Office.
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IP Support
Patent Paralegal
London
About the firm Our client is a long-established, top-ranked European IP practice with a growing headcount and offices in the UK and abroad. They are known for an ambitious but relaxed and friendly culture, and a highly regarded paralegal team. The role This is a senior, client-facing position. You’ll run your own fee-earning patent and designs portfolio, backed by administrative support, working directly with clients and attorneys. You’ll also help shape how the support function develops and mentor junior colleagues. Key responsibilities Running your caseload end to end, from preparing and filing new applications to managing official deadlines and the diary. Acting as clients’ main procedural contact, joining meetings and calls, and keeping them updated in plain, non-technical terms. Checking incoming official letters and foreign agent reports, docketing deadlines and reporting to clients. Allocating work between attorneys and support colleagues and prioritising sensibly. Billing your portfolio, including bespoke fee arrangements, preparing cost estimates and approving incoming invoices; recording time on all chargeable work. Training and mentoring junior team members, and flagging service risks and improvement ideas. About you Substantial experience as a patent paralegal, ideally in private practice. CIPA IPPC/IPAC qualified as a minimum Confident with clients, building trust and handling expectations. Highly organised, accurate and able to switch between priorities in a busy environment. Comfortable making decisions, delegating and supporting others. Proficient in Microsoft Office.
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IP Support
HR Operations Coordinator
About the firm Our client is a highly regarded specialist law firm whose clients include leading innovators worldwide. The culture is friendly and collaborative, with a strong focus on inclusion and wellbeing. The role Reporting into the people operations lead, you’ll be the go-to contact for staff and managers on HR matters, run day-to-day people admin across the whole employee journey, and actively look for ways to streamline processes through better use of systems and automation. Key responsibilities Running onboarding from screening and paperwork through to induction and early check-ins, plus probation, contract changes, family leave and leavers. Drafting contracts and HR letters, and handling right to work, vetting and GDPR compliance. Answering people queries via the ticketing system, email and in person, escalating where needed. Keeping HRIS data clean and producing reports on headcount, absence, attrition, payroll and probation. Helping with monthly payroll checks, benefits, pensions, international mobility and annual pay and benefits cycles. Updating policies, process notes and self-service guidance, and supporting system upgrades and HR projects. About you Experience in an HR operations, shared services or HR admin role, including working with an HRIS. Highly organised and precise, with excellent written and spoken communication. Approachable and discreet, with a service-first mindset. Strong with Microsoft 365 (especially Excel) or Google Workspace, and comfortable using data to inform decisions. Naturally questions the status quo and enjoys finding smarter, tech-led ways of working. Keen to build a long-term HR career.
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Latest News.

ILSPA discounts on legal secretary and paralegal skills courses
ILSPA discounts on legal secretary and paralegal skills courses

ILSPA is offering its members a 20% discount on its Advanced Single Subject Legal Courses, which was previously only applicable to ILSPA’s Legal Secretaries Diploma graduates. The usual course price is £300, but with the 20% discount there is a saving of £60, making the cost £240 – which can be paid either in full or in interest-free instalments. Many of ILSPA’s members work in specific legal departments, such as litigation or family law. “Being able to advance your knowledge and skills in the area you work in will not only help you perform better in your role, but it will also show your employers that you are dedicated to your job,” said ILSPA. “If you are working in a certain area of law at the moment and you would like a change, that’s another good reason to study one of our advanced-level courses – you can acquire the knowledge and skills you need to make the move to another department or firm.” ILSPA offers candidates looking for a job in the legal profession a range of subjects, including Civil Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Land Law and Conveyancing, Family Law – and Wills, Probate and Administration. “Our advanced level courses will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the area of law you study, as well as some paralegal skills,” added ILSPA. “This means that your employer will be able to give you more responsibility in your role, which could potentially lead to a pay raise or promotion. “Our courses are available to study online by distance learning – you can start at any time of the year and study at your own pace.” Students have up to one year to complete ILSPA courses, although students generally complete them within six months, depending on how much time they dedicate to their studies. All course materials and resources are available online through the student area of the ILSPA website. “When you enrol, you will be able to log in and access everything you need – when studying from home, you can receive help and support during the course from your Course Assessor or a member of our team,” added ILSPA. “There are no examinations for the courses – the subjects are assessed through coursework which you must send to us to be marked. “You are required to complete an online multiple-choice achievement test and a written assignment – your assignment will either include a series of questions relating to the area of law you have chosen, or be a scenario in which you are to advise on the correct legal proceedings.” ILSPA added that graduates would not only be able to show their knowledge of law after studying the course, but also demonstrate their paralegal skills. The Law Support Group covers all areas of recruitment – from support staff to fee-earner level recruitment – for both regional and international banking and law firms here in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Our website is updated regularly and the latest legal support jobs – including legal secretary jobs – are available online.

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Law firms Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins to merge
Law firms Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins to merge

Leading UK law firms Moore Blatch and Barlow Robbins have agreed to merge – and will commence trading as Moore Barlow from 1 May. The new firm will have offices in Southampton, Guildford, Woking and Lymington, as well as two locations in London – Richmond and the City of London, offering a wide range of services to clients. Sectors covered by the new firm will include Education, Family Law, Financial Services, Healthcare, Housebuilding, Manufacturing and Logistics, Retail and Leisure, Rural Affairs, Personal Injury  – and Technology, Media and Communications. Moore Barlow will have 70 partners, as well as 272 lawyers and legal professionals such as legal support staff and paralegals, with a total staff of nearly 500 across the six UK offices. The firm will have a combined turnover of almost £40 million, putting it well within the roster of the UK’s top 100 law firms, said a statement. “In terms of clients, Moore Barlow will be focused primarily on meeting the needs of private individuals and families, owners and managers of fast-moving organisations and businesses – and people whose lives have been affected by serious accidents or negligence. “Each of these groups requires relationship-oriented legal advisors, who are dedicated to helping them find the best path through complex, difficult or stressful situations – a focus and approach which will set Moore Barlow apart in the marketplace. “At the heart of the firm’s proposition will be a singular focus on people, both when it comes to clients and the firm’s 500-strong workforce across the UK.” Managing partner of Moore Blatch, Ed Whittington, added:“There is a unique opportunity to bring together the absolute best of our two organisations – both outstanding firms with deep regional roots, strong areas of specialism and dedicated teams of exceptional talent. “By combining our respective and highly complementary areas of expertise within a culture of excellence and support, we will be one of very few firms with the breadth, depth and resources to meet all the needs of our core client groups. “Moving forward with a clear vision and building on a shared set of values, Moore Barlow is poised to become a national leader in our chosen fields.” CEO of Barlow Robbins, Helen Goatley, said: “We feel strongly that the focus on people which lies at the heart of Moore Barlow will truly set us apart in the marketplace. “For clients looking for a relationship-led service, we offer a strong commitment to achieving better outcomes for people, whether they are individuals, families, managers, leaders or entrepreneurs – and particularly those encountering opportunity, challenge or life-altering circumstances. “Today’s top talent also want the right mix of a stimulating, rewarding career alongside a fulfilling work-life balance – an experience which we feel Moore Barlow will be uniquely suited to offer and from which our clients can only benefit.” The Law Support Group covers all areas of recruitment – from support staff to fee-earner level recruitment – for both regional and international banking and law firms here in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Our website is updated regularly and the latest legal support jobs – including lawyer jobs, legal assistant jobs, paralegal jobs, document reviewer jobs, legal secretary jobs and patent administrator jobs – are available online.

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SRA disability inclusion survey sets out good practice in legal profession
SRA disability inclusion survey sets out good practice in legal profession

An SRA survey on disability has found that many people working in the legal profession are still reluctant to discuss their needs with employers. A survey of 3,000 legal firms also found examples of specific initiatives and approaches within individual firms, which are delivering positive outcomes for employees and clients alike. “According to our most recent statistics, three per cent of solicitors currently declare they have a disability – a figure virtually unchanged in the last ten years,” said the SRA. “This compares to figures released by the Government which estimate that thirteen per cent of the overall workforce in the UK have a disability.” Under reporting disability to employers involved concern that declaring a disability might suggest a lower level of competency, or there might be a lack of opportunities for staff to request reasonable adjustments within a supportive environment – as well as legal firms not having policies, practices and procedures in place to help disabled staff.  Good practice examples within the report focused on seven key areas – including culture, leadership, recruitment and making reasonable adjustments. Under each area the report provides general advice, top tips and case study examples from specific named firms. SRA Chief Executive Paul Philip said:  “It is important that people who need legal services have access to a profession that is diverse and inclusive. “We know that diverse businesses are better businesses, so wanted to find out more about what lies behind the apparent under-declaration of disabilities in the legal workforce. “Our new report also looks at what firms can do to promote a much more disability inclusive working environment, highlighting best practice.” As well as the 3,000 law firms surveyed about their policies and practices, the SRA also engaged directly with disability experts and disabled solicitors – and also conducted a review of existing published research on the topic of disability in the workplace. The report Promoting disability inclusion in law firms – setting out good practice is available online. The Law Support Group covers all areas of recruitment – from support staff to fee-earner level recruitment – for both regional and international banking and law firms here in the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Our website is updated regularly and the latest legal support jobs – including lawyer jobs, legal assistant jobs, paralegal jobs, document reviewer jobs, legal secretary jobs and patent administrator jobs – are available online.

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