Knowledge Development Lawyer - IPT

Join Our Knowledge Team at DLA Piper

Our Knowledge approach is at the heart of the firm's strategy for Quality. It is how we capitalise on the collective expertise of our lawyers to drive higher quality products and services for our clients, enhancing our reputation as professionals and as a brand.

A team of dedicated Knowledge professionals supports the delivery of our Knowledge objectives and maintains the Knowledge Hub, our research platform for legal work.

The IPT Group at DLA Piper is an important part of the firm with an impressive global footprint. The IPT Group is divided into 6 specialised sub-groups:

• Technology and Sourcing (T&S)
• Commercial Contracts (CC)
• Patent Litigation
• Trade Marks, Media and Copyright
• Data, Digital and Cybersecurity
• AI

The IPT Knowledge team underpins and supports the Group’s success through a number of experienced Knowledge Development Lawyers working together as a team, each supporting one or more sub-groups within the practice.

Role Purpose

We are looking to hire, as part of the firm's commitment to quality, training and knowledge development, a Technology and Sourcing/Commercial Contracts Knowledge Development Lawyer.

Our Technology & Sourcing and Commercial Contracts lawyers are recognised worldwide by legal directories and the market, seamlessly combining multi-jurisdictional reach with local knowledge and experience.

This role will support the Head of Knowledge for IPT, the Senior Technology & Sourcing and Commercial Contracts Knowledge Lawyer and the wider IPT Group to maintain its profile with clients and in the market generally.

The purpose of the role is to:

• Support the T&S and CC sub-groups in the UK and internationally across the full range of contract law issues.
• Support the AI Knowledge Development Lawyer in regulatory and contract law matters.
• Support the International IPT Group's overall business strategy and the T&S and CC sub-groups' strategies.
• Monitor legal and technological developments in topics relevant to T&S and CC.
• Help to develop new products for our clients and to improve internal efficiencies.
• Enhance the quality of the IPT team’s legal advice and be a role model for technical knowledge, skill and practice in the IPT Group.
• Champion the firm's vision for Knowledge across the International IPT Group.
• Assist in the development of thought leadership and internal and client

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Head of Knowledge for IPT, the Senior Technology & Sourcing and Commercial Knowledge Development Lawyer, the IPT partners, the IPT Knowledge Partners, and our Marketing and Business Development function to identify issues affecting our clients and produce forward thinking thought leadership and client alerts.

• Ensuring that our lawyers are kept aware of legal, regulatory and commercial developments. Providing analysis of the impact of significant developments and how they will affect the CC and T&S practice’s business and its clients and developing ideas as to the kinds of activities which the group should be undertaking to capitalise upon them.
• Identifying, developing and maintaining the knowledge resources required for the CC and T&S practices to deliver high quality services to their clients efficiently, such as precedents, automated documents (where appropriate), technical advice memos and practical know-how guidance.
• Capturing and promoting sharing of Knowledge and expertise from the CC and T&S sub-groups through the firm’s Knowledge Hub.
• Supporting the IPT Group’s training programme, which will include preparing and updating training materials, delivery of some training sessions (internally and to clients), and supporting fee earners to deliver training.
• Working with the IPT and the central Knowledge Services team to ensure the CC and T&S practices have access to the external databases and information resources they need.
• Acting as a "sounding board" and supporting the IPT partners and other fee earners with legal research and other queries as appropriate.
• Sharing knowledge best practice and training across the Group in the UK and internationally.
• Working closely with the other IPT Knowledge Development Lawyers whose practices overlap to some degree, particularly in the fields of AI and the EU's Digital Decade.
• Interfacing with the Marketing and Business Development teams.

About You

• Excellent academic credentials with a strong technology law and contract drafting background.

• An interest in outsourcing, emerging technology such as AI and digital transformation.
• At least 5 years’ experience practising as a qualified contracts lawyer, ideally in an international context.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect, influence and collaborate at all levels across multiple geographies and practices.
• Pro-active. A self-starter who values clear direction.
• Innovative. Ability to work with the Head of Knowledge, other Knowledge Development Lawyers, the Partners and Marketing & Business Development teams to identify and develop new client products, insights and training.
• Highly organised and able to co-ordinate and deliver projects in a timely way.
• Ability to assess competing priorities and provide solutions to address them.
• Able to demonstrate experience of developing knowledge resources and delivering training.
• We would be pleased to consider applications from individuals from a private practice or in-house background as well as established Professional Support/Knowledge professionals.

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

For our people, that means a world of opportunity. You'll shape the future, have the freedom to seize opportunities, and discover your own path. Together, we unlock our potential and redefine what we can achieve.

At DLA Piper, diversity, equity, and inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging. We strive towards a workplace and culture where everyone feels that they belong, that their voice counts and that they can prosper in their career. For us, diversity is about the unique blend of talents, skills, experiences, and perspectives that make each of us an individual. We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That's why we are open to agile working.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.

We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.