Associate TMT/IP, & Policy

Essential Information

The Associate - TMT/IP will support the Partner and Head of TMT/IP in the daily operations of the practice group both locally and regionally. The core duty of the Associate - TMT/IP is to support the TMT/IP practice group in offering expert legal services to firm clients. This includes supervising associates, driving performance across business and all internal and external stakeholders, and advising on legal and regulatory matters within the TMT/IP space. The successful candidate should be flexible to work across the region.

Overall Description

The Associate - TMT/IP will represent and advise clients in the TMT/IP sectors, coordinate and monitor activities within the practice group, work directly with clients, supervise subordinates regarding quality of work, ensure compliance with administrative processes, check completed documents for accuracy and quality, and lead practice group meetings when required.

The Associate - TMT/IP will be responsible for handling and assisting with legal and non-legal tasks, ensuring all tasks are completed on time and according to quality guidelines. Other job duties include business development, client care, legal research, grant writing, policy analysis, project development, and enforcing work culture and values. The Associate-TMT/IP will offer legal and advisory services on complex TMT/IP matters, including intellectual property protection, technology transactions, and compliance with digital regulations.

Key Success Factors

The Associate - TMT/IP must establish and maintain productive, cooperative, and mutually respectful relationships with associates, senior leadership, Partners, and other staff members. They should be perceived as a credible and trustworthy colleague whose judgment is respected by the Partners.

The Associate - TMT/IP must understand and be comfortable in a professional services environment. Experience and skill in handling TMT/IP legal matters and managing human resources at all levels are crucial. They must value and respect the contributions made by all employees and encourage personal and professional development throughout the firm.

The Associate - TMT/IP must be forward-looking, with the ability to think strategically to ensure the firm has the resources and business discipline necessary for growth and prosperity. They should be comfortable implementing and executing decisions of the Line Partner and Management Committee, as well as formulating and suggesting strategic and tactical measures.

Job Objectives

1. Manage the day-to-day operations of the TMT/IP practice to ensure smooth operation.
2. Ensure compliance with the Office Procedures Manual by every member of the TMT/IP team.
3. Assist the Line Partner in implementing the Firm’s strategic plans (Business, Marketing, Business Continuity, ICT).
4. Manage the HR function within the practice group, working with the HR Manager.
5. Uphold the firm’s work culture.
6. Deputize for the Line Partner when required.

Key Tasks

The key tasks are split into legal, administrative, client relations, and business profitability as follows:

Legal Practice

• Advise clients in the technology, media, telecom, and fintech sectors on regulatory compliance, technology procurement, IP protection, and commercialization.
• Draft, review, and finalize TMT/IP - related contracts and documents.
• Perform legal research to resolve issues and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Conduct trainings and workshops in TMT/IP, policy analysis, and technology law.
• Support firm events like the KTA Annual Symposium, B2B forums, and copyright clinics.
• Engage in policy-focused work, including policy research, grant writing, and project development in the TMT/IP space.
• Any other duties as assigned by the partners.

Client Development and Relationship Management

• Promote the firm’s business development in the TMT sector.
• Publish articles and make presentations to enhance the firm’s visibility and business opportunities.
• Lead in crafting proposals and pitching for new business, with a focus on TMT/IP-related services.
• Engage actively in relevant conferences and events.
• Take ownership of work with minimal oversight from partners.

Administrative Tasks

• Manage administrative tasks such as time recording, invoicing, and billing.
• Attend firm management and department meetings.
• Assist in ongoing business development, locally and regionally.
• Support the Line Partner in staff appraisals and oversee cash flow within the TMT/IP group.
• Coordinate firm events, CSR, legal aid, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Client Relations

• Conduct independent client reviews and provide feedback.
• Map relationships with clients to identify commercial opportunities.
• Act as a client advocate within the firm, promoting a client-centric strategy.

Person Specification

The successful candidate must demonstrate expertise in TMT/IP, leadership, client management, and business development. They should possess the following:

• Technical expertise in TMT/IP law.
• Strong management experience within a law firm.
• Deep understanding of policy analysis, grant writing, and regulatory compliance in the TMT/IP space.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to build strong working relationships.
• IT literacy, attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws Degree from a reputable university.
• Diploma in Legal Practice from Law Development Centre.
• A Master’s degree in a TMT/IP or policy - related field is an added advantage.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in TMT/IP legal matters, e.g., software contracts, data compliance, cloud computing, and e-commerce.
• Experience in negotiating and drafting technology-based agreements.
• Experience in advising clients on complex commercial agreements and policy development.
• Experience in training and advising on TMT/IP matters.

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of corporate matters, governance, technology transactions, and regulatory frameworks in the TMT/IP sector and emerging