Intellectual Property Associate

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm is actively seeking a skilled and motivated Intellectual Property Associate with 2–4 years of experience to join its IP litigation practice. The role involves representing high-profile clients in patent and trade secret disputes in key jurisdictions such as the Eastern District of Texas, Northern District of California, and before the ITC and USPTO. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with a strong technical background and a passion for innovation-driven legal work.

Location:

• Menlo Park, CA

Duties:

• Handle complex intellectual property litigation involving patents and trade secrets

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

• Conduct and manage discovery, including depositions and document review

• Participate in ITC investigations and post-grant proceedings such as IPRs before the PTAB

• Prepare pleadings, legal memoranda, and briefs for trial and appellate litigation

• Collaborate with clients, experts, and internal legal teams to develop litigation strategies

• Support trial preparation and participate in trial proceedings when applicable

• Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing and development initiatives within the practice

Requirements:

• 2–4 years of experience focused on intellectual property matters

• Experience with patent and/or trade secret cases

• Strong understanding of U.S. patent litigation procedures and IP forums (e.g., PTAB, ITC)

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team-based environment

• Commitment to high-quality client service and litigation excellence

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active and in good standing with the State Bar in the jurisdiction of intended practice

Skills:

• Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and tasks effectively

• Technical fluency and ability to understand and translate complex scientific/engineering concepts

• Strong interpersonal skills and client-facing professionalism

• Collaborative, proactive, and entrepreneurial mindset

Preferred Technical Background:

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

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Benefits:

• Discretionary annual merit-based bonus

• Comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

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

  • Short- and long-term disability insurance

  • Long-term care coverage

  • Mental health and wellness programs

  • Childcare, eldercare, and pet care support

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with firm match

• Paid time off through a Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy

• Paid parental leave and holidays

• Ongoing professional development, CLE reimbursement, and mentoring programs

• Inclusive, collaborative firm culture focused on innovation and growth

This Silicon Valley firm offers a full-service practice which covers a number of areas, including: intellectual property, corporate, and labor & employment. The firms intellectual property practice is both rapidly expanding and exceptionally solid; the firms 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.