For nearly 150 years, Davies Collison Cave (DCC) have been protecting creativity and embracing innovation. We are one of the largest, most respected Intellectual Property Firms servicing local and international clients with offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Our renowned team of talented professionals work with world-class clients and brands across three legal services areas: Trade Marks, Patents and Intellectual Property law.
We work with a full range of clients including large international companies, overseas trade mark attorneys, local companies and start-ups, Universities and research organisations, and individual inventors. We work proactively and in close collaboration with our clients to ensure they receive high quality, commercially realistic advice and outcomes.
The strength of DCC is and has always been the experience and expertise of our people. Many of our practitioners are recognised as world leaders in their field. Our values of excellence through collegiality and engaging leadership have allowed us to attract the finest talent with diverse skills and backgrounds and access to rewarding and fulfilling career pathways.
About the role
DCC is looking for a Legal Administrative Assistant, Trade Marks to join its world leading trade mark group. The Legal Administrative Assistant, Trade Marks plays an essential role in the smooth and efficient running of the trade mark practice within DCC’s busy IP Law practice. Working together with one or more Trade Mark Attorneys, the Assistant will be responsible for dealing with trade mark files (including for leading brands) from searching, strategy, filing, prosecution, opposition and contentious matters) via our e-filing system. The role requires drafting and lodging of a variety of Trade Mark documents, invoicing and actively assisting the attorney with their day to day practice. The position also requires some client interaction and communication with IP Australia, IPONZ and our overseas offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. The role requires an experienced IP or legal assistant who has the ability to handle volume, in a dynamic and exciting environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain electronic trade mark files and records, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with firm procedures.
- Provide exceptional client service by responding promptly and professionally to client, associate, and general enquiries via phone and email.
- Prepare, format, and lodge trade mark applications, filings, and related documentation with IP Australia and international intellectual property offices.
- Draft and coordinate correspondence with clients, overseas associates, and regulatory authorities across multiple jurisdictions.
- Monitor and manage trade mark deadlines, reminders, and critical dates to ensure timely action and risk mitigation.
- Support Attorneys with diary management, meeting coordination, and administrative scheduling as required.
- Prepare, process, and coordinate billing activities, including drafting invoices and monitoring completion of billable work.
- Conduct online research and investigations using IP databases, official intellectual property registers, and other relevant information sources.
- Provide collaborative support across the Trade Marks team and broader business, including cross-team coverage during periods of leave or peak workload.
About You – Skills, Experience & Attributes
- Previous experience as a Trade Mark Assistant, Intellectual Property Assistant, Legal Assistant, or in a similar administrative support role within a professional services environment.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in preparing, formatting, and managing legal, trade mark, or intellectual property documentation within a deadline-driven environment.
- Experience working with intellectual property and document management systems (such as Inprotech and iManage) will be highly regarded.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Experience preparing, reviewing, and processing invoices and billing activities
- Well-developed organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and communicate professionally with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
- Experience preparing documentation and briefing materials for trade mark opposition matters, hearings, or related legal proceedings would be advantageous.
- Proven ability to build and maintain positive working relationships across teams and with clients.
- A collaborative, adaptable and proactive approach, with a willingness to contribute to team success and support colleagues when required.
Why join us?
This is an exciting and dynamic role within a very supportive and inclusive team working with an internationally recognised firm while developing your career.
The benefits of working with DCC extend well beyond professional experience. We understand what is important to our people and we offer a highly collaborative work environment to support our team to excellence. DCC has been recognised by Diversity Council Australia as an Inclusive Employer, provides flexible and hybrid working arrangements, offers paid parental leave, paid birthday leave and volunteering leave. DCC also provides a range of well-being initiatives throughout the year.
If you are ready to take on a rewarding role where you can grow and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! Please apply clicking the 'Apply' button where you will be redirected to DCC's career page to attach a resume and cover letter. Please note only those candidates with permanent unrestricted work rights will be considered.
We look forward to learning more about you.
