Research Analyst & Writer - WIPR Rankings

20k ZAR per month fixed

Remote freelance contract - 37.5 hours per week, with availability required during UK business hours.

About the role

Are you an intellectually curious, analytical thinker with strong business research skills and a talent for turning complex information into clear, credible written reports?

We're looking for an ambitious, motivated and highly organised Research Analyst & Writer to join our WIPR Rankings team, producing authoritative rankings of intellectual property (IP) law firms and lawyers around the world.

You'll research and evaluate law firms and individual lawyers, review detailed submissions, interview legal professionals and draw independent, evidence-based conclusions. You'll also write clear, concise summaries of your findings and take ownership of the rankings assigned to you.

This is not a data analyst role, nor is it primarily a content writing position. The heart of the job is investigative research, critical thinking and sound judgement.

It's a busy, intellectually demanding role involving substantial volumes of complex information and multiple research assignments. You'll need to work efficiently, manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy without losing sight of the bigger picture.

What you'll be doing

• Conduct in-depth desk research into IP law firms, lawyers, their expertise and market standing.
• Critically assess law firm submissions, industry data, peer reviews and client feedback, identifying patterns, inconsistencies and gaps in evidence.
• Interview IP lawyers, in-house counsel and other industry professionals, asking insightful questions to strengthen your research.
• Draw independent, well-supported conclusions and make recommendations for rankings, explaining your reasoning to the Rankings Editor.
• Write clear, concise and accurate profiles and reports, consistently following our editorial standards and house style.
• Take ownership of multiple research assignments, managing priorities and deadlines while maintaining quality and accuracy.

Requirements

What we're looking for

Above all, we're looking for someone with strong business research nous, an enquiring mind and the ability to think critically and independently.

Essential skills and experience:

• Research and analytical ability: Experience gathering and evaluating information from multiple sources, identifying what matters and reaching credible, evidence-based conclusions.
• Commercial awareness: The ability to quickly understand unfamiliar business and legal concepts, particularly the commercial aspects of intellectual property law.
• Interviewing and communication: Confidence engaging with senior professionals, asking probing questions and discussing complex subjects.
• Excellent written English: The ability to turn detailed research into clear, concise, accurate and well-structured reports.
• Managing complexity and volume: Proven ability to handle large amounts of detailed information, juggle multiple projects, prioritise effectively and consistently meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail: A methodical approach to fact-checking, accuracy and following editorial guidelines and house style.
• Independence and organisation: Strong self-management, sound judgement and the confidence to take ownership of your work while knowing when to ask for guidance.
• IT skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and CMS platforms such as WordPress, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Qualifications and desirable experience:

• A BA degree, ideally in law, journalism, business, or a related discipline.
• Experience in business research, legal journalism, professional rankings, or market analysis.
• Knowledge of intellectual property law or international legal markets would be an advantage.

You don't need to be an IP expert or an experienced legal market rankings professional, but you must have the curiosity and ability to learn quickly and engage confidently with leading legal practitioners. Appropriate training will be provided to the right candidate.

And just as importantly..

We're looking for someone who is friendly, honest, positive and intellectually curious, who takes pride in doing a great job.

You'll enjoy tackling challenging subjects, be comfortable working independently from home, welcome feedback and be able to maintain focus and momentum when managing a demanding workload.

Benefits

About Newton Media

Newton Media is an international B2B media business producing specialist publications, research and events for the legal, finance and insurance sectors.

Our WIPR Rankings team produces independent, authoritative rankings of intellectual property law firms and lawyers worldwide.

We value intelligent, driven and diligent people and foster a friendly, collaborative culture built on trust, independence, integrity and open communication.

Why work with us?

• Interesting, challenging work: Research the international intellectual property market and engage with leading legal professionals around the world.
• Ownership and independence: Take responsibility for your own research projects and contribute to respected, authoritative industry rankings.
• A friendly, collaborative team: Work alongside experienced publishing professionals who value curiosity, initiative and fresh perspectives.
• Fully remote: Work from your home in South Africa while collaborating with our UK-based team.
• This is a freelance contractor opportunity offering a fixed fee of ZAR 20,000 per month.

How to apply

Please submit your CV along with a short explanation of your relevant research experience, including examples of where you've analysed complex information, drawn independent conclusions or managed multiple demanding projects. We'd also like to know what attracts you to this role and why you believe you'd be a good fit.

We're interested in how you think, analyse and organise your work, not simply what you've previously written about.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Newton Media is committed to fostering an inclusive professional environment for all employees and contractors. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.