Trade Marks Attorney

About us

Halfords IP is an independent, award-winning Australian IP firm with a 45-year track record and a growing trade marks practice. We protect and build brands for startups through to household names across Australia and New Zealand, and coordinate portfolios globally.

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The opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Trade Marks Attorney (over 3 years PQE ) who loves the craft of brand protection and enjoys working directly with clients. You’ll run a varied docket: clearances and filing strategy, prosecution and hearings, oppositions and non-use actions, TM disputes and commercial advice, plus the chance to write, present and shape thought-leadership in the industry.

At Halfords IP, you won’t be a small cog in a large machine. You’ll be part of a close-knit team where you’ll have direct client contact, real ownership of files, and daily mentoring from senior attorneys who are leaders in their field.

This role is perfect for someone who’s curious, collaborative, and ready to take the next step toward becoming a trusted brand adviser. You’ll learn the business of IP as much as the law of it.

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Key Responsibilities

• Clearance searches, filing programs (AU, NZ, Madrid), prosecution and hearings before IP Australia/IPONZ.
• Oppositions, non-use actions, evidence and settlement strategy; instruct and coordinate foreign associates.
• Practical brand-use and enforcement advice (online/offline, domain and platform issues).
• Portfolio management for Australian clients and overseas counsel.
• Contribute to articles, client alerts, webinars and events (we value research and writing).
• Take ownership with a small, supportive team – bringing a commercial and client-first mindset.

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Requirements of the Ideal Candidate

• Registered Australian Trade Marks Attorney or admitted lawyer in Australia with a minimum of 3+ years’ substantive trade-marks experience (clearance, filing, prosecution, oppositions).
• Proven track record of handling an end-to-end TM portfolio: clearance/search-analysis, filings (AU/NZ and international via Madrid or national phase), office actions, hearings, oppositions and non-use/renewal issues.
• Strong technical drafting skills: ability to prepare clear advice, opinions, settlement memos, evidence-in-chief, and instruct/coordinate foreign associates.
• Commercial mindset: ability to translate complex IP law into pragmatic business advice, understand brand value and client objectives, and deliver in a client-focused, responsive manner.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: comfortable liaising directly with clients (in-house counsel, brand/marketing teams), presenting ideas, working in a team, and mentoring more junior staff.
• Sound time-management and organisational abilities: capable of managing multiple matters, deadlines and jurisdictions, with attention to detail and adherence to quality standards.
• Proactive attitude: self-motivated, able to identify opportunities for improvement (processes, watches, alerts), contribute to thought-leadership (articles, webinars) and support business development efforts.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic boutique environment: flexible (hybrid working), collaborative yet independent, willing to contribute beyond “just files” (knowledge sharing, firm initiatives).

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in writing to careers@halfords.com.au, with a copy to Aparna.Watal@halfords.com.au, with each of the following:

• Cover letter- outlining why you fulfil each of the requirements listed above
• CV outlining all relevant qualifications and experience; etc.

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