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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
Operational Standards Manager (Manchester)
Manchester
£60,000 - £65,000
We are working with a specialist IP law firm in their search for an Operational Standards Manager. This newly created role will play a pivotal role in the way the firm continue to progress their client service excellence strategy.You will drive best practice to embed, maintain, and continuously refine the standard operating processes delivered across the client services function which includes specialist IP support and business services teams.You will be responsible for promoting service proposition, managing and implementing change, establishing an effective quality assurance framework, tracking service feedback, implementing SOPs, handling compliance matters, collaborating with senior stakeholders, reporting and analysing data and trends, and providing ongoing training to various teams.Our client is looking for an established leader with a professional services background. Someone with an inquisitive mind who isn’t afraid to ask questions and challenge already well-refined processes and procedures. You must be able to demonstrate experience in a similar role and give examples of process and business transformation projects.There will be regular travel to a network of UK and European offices as you establish and maintain meaningful relationships with different business units and their support teams to be effective in your role.The firm offer a market leading salary and benefits package including 30 days holiday, a blended office and home working approach (50/50), flexible working hours, a generous pensions scheme, a healthcare cash plan, EV car scheme and much more.
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IP Support
Operational Standards Manager (Bristol)
Bristol
£60,000 - £65,000
We are working with a specialist IP law firm in their search for an Operational Standards Manager. This newly created role will play a pivotal role in the way the firm continue to progress their client service excellence strategy.You will drive best practice to embed, maintain, and continuously refine the standard operating processes delivered across the client services function which includes specialist IP support and business services teams.You will be responsible for promoting service proposition, managing and implementing change, establishing an effective quality assurance framework, tracking service feedback, implementing SOPs, handling compliance matters, collaborating with senior stakeholders, reporting and analysing data and trends, and providing ongoing training to various teams.Our client is looking for an established leader with a professional services background. Someone with an inquisitive mind who isn’t afraid to ask questions and challenge already well-refined processes and procedures. You must be able to demonstrate experience in a similar role and give examples of process and business transformation projects.There will be regular travel to a network of UK and European offices as you establish and maintain meaningful relationships with different business units and their support teams to be effective in your role.The firm offer a market leading salary and benefits package including 30 days holiday, a blended office and home working approach (50/50), flexible working hours, a generous pensions scheme, a healthcare cash plan, EV car scheme and much more.
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IP Support
Operational Standards Manager
London
£70,000 - £75,000
We are working with a specialist IP law firm in their search for an Operational Standards Manager. This newly created role will play a pivotal role in the way the firm continue to progress their client service excellence strategy.You will drive best practice to embed, maintain, and continuously refine the standard operating processes delivered across the client services function which includes specialist IP support and business services teams.You will be responsible for promoting service proposition, managing and implementing change, establishing an effective quality assurance framework, tracking service feedback, implementing SOPs, handling compliance matters, collaborating with senior stakeholders, reporting and analysing data and trends, and providing ongoing training to various teams.Our client is looking for an established leader with a professional services background. Someone with an inquisitive mind who isn’t afraid to ask questions and challenge already well-refined processes and procedures. You must be able to demonstrate experience in a similar role and give examples of process and business transformation projects.There will be regular travel to a network of UK and European offices as you establish and maintain meaningful relationships with different business units and their support teams to be effective in your role.The firm offer a market leading salary and benefits package including 30 days holiday, a blended office and home working approach (50/50), flexible working hours, a generous pensions scheme, a healthcare cash plan, EV car scheme and much more.
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IP Support
Service Delivery Manager
Bristol
£60,000 - £65,000
We are pleased to bring to market this newly created Services Delivery Manager vacancy with an award-winning and progressive IP law firm.The focus of the position is to provide the best service to clients and ensure their portfolios are being handled in the best way. To do this you will lead a client services team (of around 15) and build meaningful relationships with Partners, Attorneys, and cross-functional teams implementing and embedding strategic change initiatives.You will report into the senior services manager forming a part of a wider client services manager team. You and your peers will be responsible for continuously driving change and improving service delivery.You will host regular service focused team meetings, manage team resources, become a visible presence across the firm, collaborate with the operations team, set clear expectations, undertake regular quality assurance, investigate service-related issues, use data-driven insights to monitor and improve efficiency, and act on data to address gaps and identify opportunities for service delivery.You should be an experienced leader and possess the communication skills and gravitas to influence change and improvement in your team. You’ll want to deeply understand the people and processes and be keen to build effective relationships with other stakeholders. There is a strong preference for this person to have worked in a similar role in an IP environment.The firm offer a market leading salary and benefits package including 30 days holiday, a blended office and home working approach (50/50), flexible working hours, a generous pensions scheme, a healthcare cash plan, EV car scheme and much more.
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IP Support
Patent Administrator
London
£45000 - £50000
The role of a Patent Administrator is central to the smooth operation of a busy intellectual property team. It is a challenging position that carries significant responsibility and requires a high level of common sense, diligence, and meticulous attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as the role involves close collaboration with fee earners, other administrators, support staff, and direct communication with clients and associates. Patent Administrators are expected to uphold a high standard of professionalism, reflecting their integral role in the quality of service provided, and the ideal candidate will hold the CIPA Qualification and 3-4 years’ experience working in a similar role.Key ResponsibilitiesOnce training is completed, the following duties should be carried out independently, with minimal supervision:Correspondence & Document ManagementUnderstand and generate appropriate correspondence, including both standard templates and bespoke letters as needed.Draft letters, emails, and related communications for review by fee earners.Retrieve client information and prepare documentation using internal systems.Copy-type and amend documents including (but not limited to):EmailsLettersPatent SpecificationsMaintain digital files using the firm’s document management system.Formalities, Deadline Management & Case Management System Handle formalities such as collecting and processing documents required for filing and grant (e.g., translations, Powers of Attorney, assignments).Prepare and update formal documents for patent applications.Monitor and manage deadlines in collaboration with fee earners, including identifying and managing reminders and extensions.Process incoming electronic correspondence, particularly from the EPO.Update the case management system (Inprotech/IPT) with relevant dates and clear completed tasks.Enter new patent and design matters into the database, including filing dates and required documents.Report publications and maintain related due dates in the system.Process abandonment of cases as instructed.Check and forward grant certificates.Manage EPO and EUIPO fee instructions and payments, handling standard procedures independently.Maintain and update client and case records including ownership changes and reference amendments.Draft and send correspondence for reporting foreign publications and communications.Process foreign filing receipts and track subsequent deadlines.Validate European patents globally and obtain necessary translations.Liaise with the Renewals Department as required.Client-Specific AdministrationUpdate and manage client-specific databases and systems, including uploading documents, tracking deadlines, and handling invoicing data.Generate due date reports tailored to client requirements.Invoicing & Work-in-Progress (WIP) ManagementPrepare invoices, credit notes, and debit notes.Adjust WIP entries to reflect client agreements, discounts, and required formats.Assist fee earners with managing WIP, including reviewing invoices from foreign associates.PA & Administrative SupportSchedule meetings, travel, and itineraries as required.Manage caseloads and monitor due dates and tasks.Communicate with clients, including responding to emails and taking messages in the absence of fee earners.Provide cover and support to other Patent Administrators.Distribute incoming post to the appropriate team members.Maintain CRM systems with up-to-date client information.Undertake any additional tasks reasonably requested by partners, fee earners, or senior staff.Our client offers a market leading salary and benefits package twinned with 60% remote working.
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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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