Senior Associate Attorney | Patents (South Africa)

A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced qualified patent attorne y to join our fast-growing IP & Innovation Department in Johannesburg, South Africa. The successful candidate will have a passion for intellectual property, be solution driven with excellent analytical and communication skills and a strong work ethic. This role offers a dynamic working environment and the opportunity to develop excellent patent abilities and exceptional technical skills. The work will be diverse and challenging and involve all aspects of patent and design law. The successful incumbent will be expected to work very closely with our clients and to work in a team environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Providing advice to clients regarding patentability of inventions Drafting and filing patent and design applications Prosecuting patent and design applications across a variety of jurisdictions Carrying out patent searches Researching law and drafting legal, freedom-to-operate, invalidity, and infringement opinions Drafting letters of demand, pleadings, undertakings and agreements Attending consultations with clients and Counsel General practice management, including diary and file management; providing guidance to support staff; liaising with Registrar of Patents, clients and counter parties; managing debtors’ book; invoicing Mentoring and training junior practitioners SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE The candidate should be an admitted attorney to practice in South Africa with a strong academic record. In addition hereto the candidate should also possess the following: A minimum of 4 years’ PQE in patents Experience in mechanical, ICT, machine learning, artificial intelligence, telecommunication and/or electronic inventions is preferred Electrical / electronic / computer science / or software related qualification is preferred Strong work ethic A track record of providing innovative solutions to complex matters Strong analytical skills Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) Drive, determination and ambition It is also essential that the candidate demonstrates the ability to understand the needs of clients and to communicate effectively with them, to manage client relations and manage a sizeable practice. In addition, the candidate must be ambitious, achievement-oriented, focused and able to work well under pressure in a team and deadline-driven environment. This is a demanding but stimulating position which will require working outside of normal office hours, when necessary. ENS is committed to transformation and achieving equity in its workplaces. Placement of a suitably qualified and skilled candidate will therefore be made in line with our Employment Equity objectives. The closing date for all applications is close of business on 21 July 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr