Officer, Legal, Intellectual Property

This position offers an integral role within Liberty's intellectual property legal team, providing crucial administrative and paralegal support for the day-to-day management of the company's diverse IP portfolio. The successful candidate will be instrumental in handling a wide range of IP matters, including trade marks, copyright, domain names, patents, and designs, as well as contractual agreements. This role requires diligent management of records and case databases, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times.

About the role

The opportunity centres on ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the IP legal function. This involves supporting the team in various capacities, from assisting with due diligence processes to helping with the drafting and review of standard legal documentation. A key aspect of the role will be the coordination of activities with both internal departments and external service providers, including legal attorneys.

Furthermore, the position encompasses responsibilities related to vendor management, such as the onboarding of new service providers. The successful individual will also be involved in tracking and reporting legal costs and invoices, contributing to the overall financial oversight of the IP legal department. A significant focus will be placed on legal risk management and reporting, ensuring that potential issues are identified and addressed proactively. The role is designed for someone with a strong commitment to process discipline and meticulous attention to detail, leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency and ensure consistent delivery of IP legal services within established frameworks and under appropriate supervision.

The core responsibilities of this role are multifaceted, covering the essential administrative and support functions required for a robust intellectual property legal department. Key duties will include:

• Administering the day-to-day operations related to intellectual property matters, encompassing trade marks, copyright, domain names, patents, designs, and contracts.
• Assisting with due diligence exercises to support business objectives and risk assessment.
• Supporting the drafting and review of routine legal documentation.
• Maintaining comprehensive, accurate, and compliant records and databases for all IP cases.
• Coordinating effectively with internal stakeholders across various departments.
• Liaising with external service providers, including legal attorneys and IP specialists.
• Supporting vendor management processes, including the onboarding of new suppliers.
• Tracking and managing the reporting of legal costs and processing invoices.
• Contributing to the company's legal risk management framework and reporting procedures.

What they're looking for

The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in legal administration and a keen understanding of intellectual property principles. A Diploma in a relevant legal field is required, alongside a minimum of five to seven years of proven experience. This experience should ideally be in providing basic legal advice, with a preference for candidates who have worked within the legal or financial services sectors.

Essential behavioural competencies include the ability to articulate information clearly, a meticulous approach to checking details, and proficiency in documenting facts accurately. Strong interpersonal skills are vital for establishing rapport, interacting effectively with diverse individuals, and inviting feedback. The role demands an organised individual capable of managing tasks efficiently, meeting deadlines, and working collaboratively as part of a team while upholding high professional standards. A capacity for examining information critically and following established procedures is also paramount.

On the technical front, candidates should demonstrate competence in contract management, legal administration, and legal drafting. A solid understanding of legal knowledge and effective legal records management, coupled with legal research capabilities, will be crucial for success in this position.

In South Africa, roles such as this, which offer significant paralegal and administrative support within a legal IP department, are typically found in larger corporate entities, financial institutions, and specialised law firms. Salaries can vary widely based on the specific company, the level of responsibility, and the candidate's experience, but generally fall within a competitive range for experienced legal support professionals. Career progression in this area often involves specialising further within IP law or moving into more senior legal administration or management roles.

Type of Qualification: Diploma
Field of Study: Legal

Experience Required
Macro Generic
Legal
5-7 years Proven experience in the provision of basic legal advice, preferably within the legal and/or financial sectors.