Intellectual Property Associate

Job Overview:
A national law firm is seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Intellectual Property Associate with 2–4 years of experience. This role is ideal for candidates with a background in science or engineering who have hands-on experience handling patent and/or trade secret litigation. The associate will work on high-profile matters involving cutting-edge technologies in industries such as software, hardware, biotech, and chemicals. The position offers flexibility across multiple U.S. office locations and a collaborative, mentorship-focused environment.

Location:

• Washington, DC

Duties:

• Litigate intellectual property disputes including patent and trade secret litigation

• Prepare and argue motions, including dispositive motions, in federal court

• Handle discovery tasks including depositions, expert coordination, and document production

• Participate in proceedings before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)

• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda, briefs, pleadings, and other legal documents

• Work closely with clients and internal teams on case strategies and technical assessments

• Engage in pre-trial and trial preparation, including witness preparation and trial presentation support

Requirements:

• 2 to 4 years of experience in intellectual property 

• Background in patent or trade secret disputes with knowledge of related procedures and forums (e.g., ITC, PTAB, NDCA, EDTX)

• Ability to manage tasks independently and take ownership of work

• Strong academic credentials and proven ability to deliver high-quality legal work

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong work ethic and commitment to team success

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active membership in the State Bar of the jurisdiction where the candidate expects to reside (required)

Skills:

• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills

• Advanced research and analytical skills

• Strong organizational and project management capabilities

• Ability to translate complex technical information into effective legal arguments

• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate across offices and practice groups

Preferred Technical Background:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in one of the following (or equivalent work experience):

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Physics

  • Chemical Engineering

Benefits:

• Annual discretionary merit bonus based on individual and firm performance

• Health benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • Long-term care insurance

• Wellness and family care programs including:

  • Mental health resources

  • Child, elder, and pet care assistance

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) and generous paid holidays

• Paid parental leave

• Ongoing professional development, mentorship programs, and CLE support

• Inclusive and collaborative firm culture

This Silicon Valley firm offers a full-service practice which covers a number of areas, including: intellectual property, corporate, and labor & employment. The firm's intellectual property practice is both rapidly expanding and exceptionally solid; the firm's intellectual property attorneys have extensive experience in state, federal, and international litigation, as well as licensing, litigation avoidance and other matters across the complete spectrum of intellectual property issues. The atmosphere is collegial, but slightly more conservative than most Bay Area firms. Salaries are in line with other top Bay Area firms, and the firm provides a sizable bonus for all lawyers who bill at least 1,950 hours, with additional money based on three separate billable-hour levels above 1,950.