Trademark Law Clerk – Intellectual Property

We are BLG: Canada’s Law Firm. Our culture is one of vigilance and curiosity, Firm-wide collaboration, unfailing mutual respect and dedication. We pride ourselves on having standout talent and delivering an exceptional client experience.

We are a future-minded Firm delivering high-value advice and known for our unwavering commitment to innovation, diversity and inclusion, community involvement and talent development. Learn more about us at www.blg.com.

You will be a key member of a dynamic and innovative group of trademark lawyer agents, paraprofessionals, and legal support staff, providing the highest level of service to our clients, while having the opportunity to cultivate your skills as part of our successful national Intellectual Property (IP) Group, within Canada’s premier full-service law firm.

Right from the start, you will have access to exceptional opportunities, working with a supportive team focused on providing you with meaningful opportunities to tailor your career path in order to reach your full potential. 

Key Responsibilities and Skills

• Play a critical role in domestic and foreign trademark prosecution and oppositions, summary cancellation proceedings, and disputes
• Input new matters into the IP Practice Management system and docket for relevant official deadlines
• Prepare, file and report trademark applications in Canada and through foreign counsel abroad in a wide range of dynamic industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fashion, electronic systems, food and beverage, cannabis etc.
• Act as a team player within the Paraprofessional Services Group with overflow, urgent deadlines and back-up coverage
• Assist with the review and reporting of official correspondence from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
• Interact with CIPO and problem-solve procedural matters in real-time, to facilitate ongoing prosecution of trademark applications/registrations
• Keep up-to-date on changes in trademark law and procedural requirements

Key Competencies

• A minimum of 3 years relevant trademark experience and knowledge of the filing and prosecution of a trademark to registration
• Knowledge of document management systems (iManage knowledge an asset), Microsoft Word, Outlook, Adobe, and Excel
• Strong organizational skills in planning and prioritizing work, multi-tasking and attention to details
• Ability to succeed in a multi-disciplinary team with a collaborative and strategic mindset
• Adaptable to dynamic priorities and deadlines, to best serve our clients’ business goals
• Paralegal, Law Clerk, or Legal Assistant Diploma an asset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A team player with a strong work ethic and a desire for continuous improvement

What does BLG have to offer you?

• A hybrid working environment with technology reimbursements to support digital working
• Certification in Legal Project Management (LPM) to support BLG’s commitment to matter commercial excellence
• Access to our market leading mentoring program
• A talent development framework that helps you develop your desired career path, including access to training and continued education opportunities
• Exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including a day off to volunteer and access to wellness platforms and programs

How to Apply*

If you are a team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and are able to adopt and navigate technology with ease, send your cover letter, résumé, and list of references in confidence to Emily Candy at ecandy@blg.com by Date.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Everyone at BLG is required to carry out the duties of their role while upholding the important principles of our respectful workplace policies, and treating everyone with respect, regardless of position. At BLG, valuing diversity and inclusion is key to a respectful workplace.

BLG is committed to building and fostering a workplace that is reflective of our communities, where all firm members feel included, valued, and heard.  We welcome applications from all qualified candidates but acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers that have, historically, marginalized and barred certain groups from accessing employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to removing barriers to employment, we strongly encourage applications from members of these historically marginalized groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and women. Accommodations are available, upon request, in all aspects of the recruitment process.

*Please note that relatives of current BLG employees and partners are not eligible for consideration.

The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 - $85,000, depending on level of experience, region/location, and other factors.

BLG is committed to building a diverse workplace reflective of the communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive culture where Firm members feel valued, respected and inspired to thrive as their authentic selves.  We value diversity of thought and the unique skills, perspectives and experience each individual brings to BLG. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applicants from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented, including but not limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, people who identify as women and/or LGBTQ2S+. 

We also strive to provide an accessible candidate experience. Please let us know if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process.