Intellectual property
Intellectual Property is a core business asset in private practice, shaping firm strategy, driving valuation, and creating competitive advantage.
Adamsons has unrivalled insight into this market, built on decades of senior-level placements, cross-border mandates, and long-standing relationships with IP professionals worldwide. We understand the nuances of technical specialisms, sector dynamics, and global market pressures—allowing us to advise with authority and relevance on critical hiring decisions.
What we deliver
We support leading law firms globally in delivering strategic hires, helping clients secure IP talent who protect, commercialise, and future-proof innovation in a rapidly evolving global market.
Focus areas
Partner and leadership appointments: Equity and salaried partners, practice heads, and senior lateral hires
Specialist roles: Patent litigation, prosecution, licensing, and technically specialised IP lawyers
Cross-border mandates: International partner moves, multi-office team build-outs, and market entry hires
Strategic support: Succession planning, practice growth strategy, and confidential search mandates
Who We serve
International full-service firms, elite IP boutiques, and specialist practices
Firms entering new markets or launching IP offerings in new jurisdictions
Practices undergoing growth, restructuring, or leadership transition
IP-led and mixed law/IP practices in highly technical and innovation-driven sectors
We work closely with firm leadership to understand growth strategy, practice priorities, and competitive positioning—ensuring every hire aligns with both immediate needs and long-term direction.
What sets us apart
Market insight and access
We identify candidates through deep market mapping, long-term relationship intelligence, and technical credibility screening—providing access to senior, often passive, talent across global IP markets.
Specialist expertise
Our understanding of technical disciplines, sector dynamics, and IP practice structures enables us to assess candidates in the context of real client demands, including litigation strategy, portfolio development, and commercialisation.
Partner-led delivery
Our Partner-led approach ensures hands-on involvement throughout. For complex or cross-border mandates, we deploy dedicated teams, navigate local market dynamics, and maintain consistent execution across jurisdictions.
Global reach
We support IP hiring across the UK, Continental Europe, the US, and leading APAC innovation hubs, with particularly strong networks in major European IP markets and international law firm centres.
Our global reach enables coordinated, multi-office hiring strategies while providing access to scarce, highly specialised talent—supporting practice growth across jurisdictions.
Julian adamson, Chris adamson, milli Bouri, Rene Chung
Our IP searches are led by senior Partners with deep experience across private practice and IP-intensive sectors, including Julian Adamson – Managing Partner, Christopher Adamson – Senior Partner, Rene Chung – Partner, Milli Bouri – Partner.
The team brings cross-border search expertise, strong technical understanding of IP-led industries, and established global candidate networks—ensuring consistent delivery across jurisdictions and mandates.
