Senior Associate Attorney – Patents

About the role

ENS is seeking an experienced, qualified patent attorney to join its fast‑growing IP & Innovation Department in Johannesburg. The Senior Associate Attorney will work closely with clients and internal teams, handling a full spectrum of patent and design matters while developing advanced technical and legal expertise.

Key responsibilities

• Advise clients on patentability of inventions.
• Draft and file patent and design applications.
• Prosecute applications across multiple jurisdictions.
• Conduct patent searches and freedom‑to‑operate, invalidity and infringement analyses.
• Prepare legal letters, pleadings, undertakings and agreements.
• Attend client consultations and coordinate with counsel.
• Manage practice administration, including diary, file handling, invoicing and debtor management.
• Mentor and train junior practitioners.

Required profile

• Admitted attorney to practice in South Africa with a strong academic record.
• Minimum 4 years post‑qualification experience in patents.
• Experience with mechanical, ICT, machine‑learning, AI, telecommunication or electronic inventions is preferred.
• Relevant qualification in electrical/electronic engineering, computer science or software.
• Strong work ethic, analytical ability and excellent communication skills.
• Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions and managing a sizeable client practice.

Required skills

• Patent drafting and prosecution.
• Patent searching and freedom‑to‑operate analysis.
• Mechanical invention expertise.
• ICT and software patent knowledge.
• Machine‑learning and artificial‑intelligence patent experience.
• Telecommunication and electronic invention expertise.

What we offer

• Dynamic, challenging work across diverse jurisdictions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and technical skill development.
• Collaborative team environment with direct client interaction.