Patent Litigation Associate

Join to apply for the Patent Litigation Associate role at Stephenson Harwood LLP
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We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility and early involvement in growing the business.

You can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.

This is an exciting opportunity for one or more patent litigation associates to join the IP practice of a prestigious international law firm. You will play an integral part in the continued growth of the firm’s patent litigation capabilities, with an opportunity to work across key areas of focus including life sciences and technology sectors. Your team is ranked in the Legal 500, Chambers UK and IAM Patent 1000 legal guides and includes individuals ranked as ‘outstanding’ in the WIPR 2025 Patent Rankings.

We are now seeking one or more candidates with significant experience in patent litigation from a recognised practice. Ideal experience includes complex multi‑jurisdictional disputes, proceedings in multiple forums such as the Patents Court, European Patent Office and the Unified Patents Court. Experience in advising on patent matters across life sciences and technology sectors is highly desirable. For the right candidate, there will also be opportunity to work on complex patent/know‑how license transactions.

• You will have a passion for patent litigation and be comfortable advising clients in technically complex industries.
• You will apply your patent knowledge to advise clients in an efficient, commercial way, considering litigation, mediation, arbitration, global enforcement strategies, and liaising with local counsel.
• You will advise on patent disputes, predominantly in technology and life sciences sectors, and may advise on non‑contentious matters including complex patent transactions.
• You will work collaboratively with the wider patent community, including Patent Attorneys, Counsel and international firms.
• You will play a central role in building upon the team’s patent litigation capabilities and by participating actively in the wider IP and patent community in London and internationally.

• Patent litigation specialist with solid foundational knowledge across IP rights and substantive experience before the UK Patents Court.
• Experience in complex licensing transactions in life sciences/technology sectors is useful but not essential.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with a client‑first approach.
• Business development interest and willingness to help secure new clients and maintain existing relationships.
• Financial management aptitude on matters with a commercial approach.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and Practice is an asset.

Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm committed to creating positive partnerships with clients. We represent listed and private companies, institutions and individuals across 1,500+ people in 10 offices worldwide. Our focus spans five core sectors:
Energy Transition, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade. We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Seniority level:
Mid-Senior

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Legal;
Industries:
Law Practice