Associate – IP Disputes (Life Sciences), Mid-Level
Placed by Fintelligent on behalf of a leading international law firm
Location: London
PQE: 3–5 Years (Mid-Level Associate)
Practice Area: Intellectual Property – Life Sciences / Patent Litigation
Qualification: England & Wales qualified solicitor
About the Role
Fintelligent is partnering with a leading international law firm to recruit a Mid-Level Associate into its London IP Life Sciences team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and commercially focused IP litigator to join a market-leading practice advising on complex, high-value patent disputes within the life sciences sector. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge UK and multi-jurisdictional litigation for major pharmaceutical, biotech and life sciences clients, helping to deliver practical, strategic solutions to highly complex legal issues.
The role sits within a highly collaborative international platform and offers exposure to some of the most sophisticated IP litigation in the market.
What You'll Do
- Act as a key member of the team handling complex patent litigation in the UK life sciences sector.
- Manage and support multi-jurisdictional patent disputes across a range of life sciences technologies.
- Assist in the delivery of high-quality litigation services to major international clients.
- Draft, review and prepare detailed legal documents, pleadings and technical submissions.
- Support partners in developing litigation strategy and case management approaches.
- Work closely with colleagues across jurisdictions on coordinated international disputes.
- Contribute to the progression and execution of complex, high-value IP litigation matters.
- Provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice to clients.
- Assist in business development and client relationship management activities.
- Support knowledge sharing and the development of junior team members where appropriate.
What We're Looking For
- Approximately 3–5 years' PQE in a leading IP litigation or life sciences disputes practice.
- Strong experience in UK patent litigation, ideally within the life sciences sector (essential).
- Academic background in a relevant scientific discipline such as:
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Molecular or Cellular Biology (or similar)
- Strong technical understanding of intellectual property law.
- Experience working on complex, multi-party or cross-border litigation matters.
- Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills.
- Ability to manage complex workstreams within high-pressure litigation environments.
- Strong academic credentials.
- A collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within international teams.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of client priorities in contentious matters.
Compensation
Compensation is highly competitive and aligned with leading international law firm market rates.
The package includes discretionary performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits offering, including flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies, wellbeing support and tailored benefits options.
Additional Information
The firm operates a flexible hybrid working model designed to support high performance while maintaining work-life balance.
Associates benefit from award-winning development programmes, including mentoring, coaching and structured training in both technical and broader commercial skills, alongside cross-border collaboration across a global IP litigation platform.
The firm places strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, ESG and pro bono contributions, with these factors recognised within performance frameworks.
The firm is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates.