Paralegal I

Job Description

Provide legal and administrative support within the Intellectual Property practice. This includes drafting correspondence, managing renewals and recordals, overseeing communication with clients, and ensuring legal compliance on domestic and international matters.

Requirements

• Computer literacy with competent typing skills
• Excellent language skills (good command of English, both written and verbal)
• Must understand the debiting procedures
• A meticulous, responsible person with a sense of urgency, who is able to prioritise duties
• A conscientious, loyal and dedicated person, with the ability to think laterally
• Someone with a professional attitude
• Ability to give clear instructions to secretary
• Prepared to work long hours where necessary
• Ability to work independently and under supervision
• Ability to handle the pressure of having to cope with large workload
• TradeMarks and/or TradeMark Renewals experience required
• Matric
• A paralegal diploma will be advantageous
• Familiarity with Patricia system will be advantageous

Responsibilities

• Displaying a high level of initiative and being pro-active in practice
• Drafting of documents and original correspondence still to be signed by a qualified legal professional
• Liaising with correspondent clients and attorneys
• Accurate updating of the Intellectual Property system
• Assisting with practice administration, including billing, enquiries, and fee collections
• Dealing with urgent matters promptly and ensuring completion of all urgent tasks
• Reading and understanding relevant legislation and conducting independent research
• Understanding all areas of practice and office procedures in their field
• Attending to trade mark renewals (local and international) and recordal applications
• Researching legal requirements of renewals and recordals in foreign countries
• Sending and receiving emails
• Checking and monitoring standing instructions
• Managing secretary/ies in the team