Case Study Snapshot
- Role: Intellectual Property Attorney
- Sector: Agriculture and Plant Breeding
- Market: Italy
- Search Type: Exclusive Retained Executive Search
- Outcome: First in-house European IP counsel appointed within two weeks
Supporting Rapid Growth Through In-House Legal Capability
During a period of rapid international expansion, our client was managing multiple recruitment campaigns across global operations. As part of this growth, the organisation identified the need to establish its first in-house legal function in Europe.
The CHRO engaged LCR International to lead a time-sensitive search for an Intellectual Property Attorney to support Italian operations. The role would oversee EU surveillance, manage external legal counsel, support global licensing activity, and ensure contractual compliance.
Given the specialist nature of the brief, targeted executive search support was required.
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A Time-Critical and Highly Specialist Brief
The successful candidate needed strong intellectual property expertise alongside detailed knowledge of the agriculture and plant breeding sectors.
The competitive legal market in Italy, combined with the requirement for sector-specific experience, significantly reduced the available talent pool. In addition, the client required rapid progress to support ongoing commercial activity.
These factors made the assignment both highly focused and time-sensitive.
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Leveraging Sector Insight and Established Relationships
Having worked with the client on several previous assignments, LCR had a strong understanding of the organisation’s culture, operating model, and regional dynamics.
We commenced the search with a detailed briefing to clarify role priorities, reporting structures, and success criteria. Drawing on our established legal and sector networks, we proactively engaged both active and passive candidates with relevant expertise.
All approaches were handled discreetly and professionally to ensure confidentiality throughout the process.
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Delivering a Market-Ready Legal Leader
LCR prioritised candidates with proven sector experience and strong commercial awareness. Through structured online and face-to-face assessments, we developed a focused shortlist within the required timeframe.
At the client’s request, the search prioritised quality and alignment over breadth. A small number of highly relevant candidates were presented, enabling rapid decision-making.
The client progressed quickly to offer stage, securing a candidate who accepted ahead of schedule. The new IP Attorney established the company’s first European in-house legal function and began supporting regulatory, licensing, and compliance activity.
