Intellectual Property Consultant

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881-helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations.

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose-to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

S&W acquired ClearViewIP in September 2025 to complement the existing advisory services that S&W currently offers its clients including corporate finance, valuations, transaction services and forensic services, along with business tax, audit, consulting and business outsourcing services.

The ClearViewIP team comprises experienced IP professionals, with decades of experience in managing, protecting and commercialising innovation and ensuring best practise IP approaches are deployed to help clients win in the market.

What will you be doing?

Consultants in the Intellectual Property (IP) team work within a highly skilled group of IP, business, and technical professionals delivering advisory services across multiple industries. They support IP strategy, operations, and transaction work by conducting IP and market research and preparing detailed analysis of clients’ patent portfolios.

As an Intellectual Property Consultant, your responsibilities will include among others:

• Researching into markets and technology to understand the client’s competitive position
• Searching and analysing patent and non-patent data to find prior art, patents for acquisition or commercialisation opportunities for client’s own patents
• Developing marketing collateral and valuation models for IP portfolios in support of licensing or sale negotiations
• Assisting clients in identifying and documenting their innovation with a view to ensuring it is protected effectively.
• On the job training and mentoring is provided by team members including the management team and you will contribute to a range of projects for different clients and technology/market sectors.

To be successful in this role, you should have

• A degree in a high-technology discipline (e.g. computer science / software engineering / electronic engineering / telecoms) or life sciences degree - 2:1 or higher; postgraduate qualifications, such as PhDs and Masters courses are particularly valued.
• An understanding of complex technologies (computer science, electronics, biochemistry or software engineering background would be particularly useful).
• A thorough and methodical approach to research, data analysis and report writing.
• A keen interest in technology and its commercial applications.
• The ability to work independently with a proactive, self-motivated mindset, while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Good communication and presentation skills including fluency in written and spoken English.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and ideally some previous experience with software programming and/or using Microsoft Power BI

This position is an entry-level role and would suit a recent graduate, no prior work experience in intellectual property is required, but relevant qualifications (e.g. LLM or PG Certificate in IP), and/or, some experience in industry / consulting experience, will be valued.

As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Hybrid working model (role dependent)
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.