Intellectual Property

Careers

Candidate Attorney

Minimum requirements:

Engineering- or BSc degree.
Consistent good academic results at school and university.
Special interest in Intellectual Property law.
Enrolled for, or busy with an LLB degree (we will also consider candidates who will imminently enroll for an LLB degree).
Driver's license and own transport.

We are looking for the following personal attributes:

A keen interest in technology and innovation.
The ability to understand new technologies in general, and specifically technologies in their field.
Must be self-driven and able to take initiative, while also being capable of following and executing instructions accurately.
Work meticulously and pay attention to detail.
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues and clients.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Afrikaans
Well-balanced lifestyle.
Well-organized, dedicated, and hardworking.
Positive attitude.

The road to qualify as a Patent Attorney:

A technical degree.
An LLB degree - 4 years part time.
Patent Examination board exams - While working/studying (https://www.saiipl.co.za/).
Qualify as an Attorney (https://www.gawieleroux.co.za/blog/how-become-attorney-south-africa).
Gain experience and complete all the above while working at Smit & Van Wyk.

What you will gain:

Exclusive qualification as a registered South African Patent Attorney (around 100 in South Africa).
Drafting patents and protecting innovations over a broad technical spectrum.
Over time build an international network of colleagues.
Gain international recognition for work done.

Application Required Documents:

Only applications that contain all of these, will be considered.