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Career pathway

Intellectual Property Lawyer

ANZSCO 271214

Employed

820

Part-time share

18%

Female share

41%

Median age

45 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

Intellectual Property Lawyers provide legal advice, prepare and draft legal documents, and conduct negotiations on behalf of clients on matters associated with protecting intellectual capital, utilising patent law, copyright law and licensing.

What they typically do

  • Receives written information in the form of briefs and verbal instructions concerning cases from solicitors, other specialist legal professionals and clients.
  • Provides advice and written opinions on points of intellectual property law.
  • Confers with clients and witnesses in preparation for court proceedings.
  • Draws up pleadings, affidavits and other court documents.
  • Researches statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases.
  • Outlines the facts to the court, calls up and questions witnesses and addresses the court to argue a client's case.
  • Provides opinion on complex intellectual property issues.
  • May draw up or settle documents.
  • Interviews clients to determine the nature of problems, then recommends and undertakes appropriate legal action.
  • Prepares cases for court by conducting investigations, undertaking research, giving notice of court actions and arranging the preparation and attendance of witnesses.
  • Prepares and critically reviews contracts between parties.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

VIC
36.4%
NSW
35.5%
QLD
14.1%
WA
6.7%
SA
5.3%
ACT
1.6%
TAS
0.5%
NT
0%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as an Intellectual Property Lawyer.