Associate

The Intellectual Property and Technology Group at Skadden provides the full range of IP and technology legal services. As part of a global platform, they work across industries, advising throughout the life cycle of the asset, including with large outsourcing deals, cloud contract and licensing arrangements.  This team works closely with the corporate and private equity groups on their most complex transactions, including with respect to the evolving challenges and legal frameworks around big data, AI, IoT, life sciences, and fintech. They also support the finance, ta and the litigation & arbitration groups on IP and tech related matters as well as providing stand-alone advice on non-contentious IP and tech matters including the regulation of technology, including AI. 

We are looking for an individual with 1-2 years' relevant post qualification experience in the London market (or experience in a similar common law jurisdiction), although those with less or more relevant experience will be considered on their merits.  The successful candidate will preferably have a genuine interest and both technical and legal background in IP and technology and must be able to independently run the IP, tech and data protection aspects of corporate transactions as well as be able to advise on these topics on a stand-alone basis. Experience in stand-along tech and IP agreements is also helpful. As IT, IP and data protection are areas in constant growth, it is key for the new associate to keep abreast of any legal, regulatory case-law and industry-specific development.  This will involve contributing to regular external and internal publications and attending key events on IT, IP and data protection topics.

We pay generous rates and provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package.  The package includes:

• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Technology allowance
• 22 days holiday and 3 personal days
• Enhanced Family leave
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Life assurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Gym allowance
• Travel insurance

Mentoring and Hybrid Working

Associates who join Skadden laterally participate in our mentor program, Skadden Integration+, which specifically focuses on the unique needs experienced attorneys face during professional transitions

These efforts, along with our professional development and other Skadden benefits, including a hybrid work model, which remains subject to review. Our hybrid work model consists of working Monday to Thursday in the office (for full-time attorneys), underscore Skadden’s long-standing commitment to investing in its people, culture and diversity.

Training and Development

Skadden has a sophisticated training programme that includes both in-house and external seminars and training sessions.  We also pride ourselves on providing our lawyers with "on-the-job" training and constructive "real-time" partner feedback.  The formal training programme includes:

• Regular team meetings
• Regular corporate know-how meetings.
• Weekly and monthly training seminars and workshops for all levels covering legal topics relevant to the firm’s practice areas and skills.  These are presented by partners and associates and external specialists, QC’s and other professionals.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across Skadden’s network of offices.

Pro bono

Skadden strongly encourages its lawyers to assist, through pro bono work, those individuals and groups unable to afford legal services. A number of pro-bono opportunities are also available to our lawyers through our pro-bono programme.  We are affiliated to LawWorks, a registered charity which supplies pro-bono projects to the firm.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our success as a global law firm, giving us a wealth of different perspectives from which to address our clients’ most pressing issues across a wide spectrum of industries, geographies and cultures. We strive to develop initiatives at Skadden to specifically address diversity, equity and inclusion goals — including for recruiting, professional development, attorney retention and advancement, and cross-cultural awareness — while also continually inculcating inclusion principles into the fabric of the firm. This includes ensuring that all job applicants are treated fairly regardless of, for example, age, disability, sex, race and sexual orientation as per our Equal Employment Opportunity statement. If you require adjustments to be made during the selection process, please speak to a member of the recruitment team (Nicola Kerley, Senior Attorney Recruiting Manager nicola.kerley@skadden.com).