Intellectual Property Associate

Job Overview:
A leading law firm is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Intellectual Property Associate with 2–4 years of experience to support its nationally recognized IP litigation practice. This opportunity is ideal for attorneys with a technical background and a passion for patent and trade secret law. The role involves high-impact litigation for innovative clients in federal court, the ITC, and before the USPTO.

Location:

• Sacramento, CA

Duties:

• Represent clients in patent and trade secret litigation across various U.S. jurisdictions

• Draft motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda related to IP disputes

• Manage discovery processes, including depositions and expert coordination

• Participate in proceedings before the ITC and the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)

• Collaborate with partners, associates, technical advisors, and clients on complex litigation strategy

• Support pre-trial and trial preparation, including trial exhibits, witness prep, and courtroom presentations

• Conduct legal research and technical analysis related to infringement, validity, and damages

• Assist in inter partes review and post-grant proceedings

Requirements:

• 2–4 years of experience in intellectual property (patent and/or trade secret)

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex tasks and adhere to deadlines

• Familiarity with high-stakes forums including ITC and PTAB preferred

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong initiative and accountability

• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school

Certifications:

• Active membership in the State Bar where the candidate resides or will practice (required)

Skills:

• Excellent legal writing and analytical abilities

• Strong oral advocacy and courtroom presence

• Proficiency in handling technically complex subject matter

• Advanced research and problem-solving capabilities

• Strong interpersonal and client-facing communication skills

• Organizational efficiency with attention to detail

Preferred Technical Background:

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

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Physics

  • Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Chemical Engineering

Benefits:

• Annual discretionary performance bonus

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage

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

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Long-term care insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with firm contributions

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy

• Paid holidays and generous parental leave

• Wellness programs including mental health support

• Dependent and pet care benefits

• Ongoing legal education and mentorship programs

• Inclusive and collegial work culture with national collaboration

This preeminent California firm offers a full-service practice which covers a number of areas, including: Litigation, Corporate, Tax, Environmental, Labor & Employment, and Real Estate. The Sacto office has strong litigation, IP, government, securities, finance, and antitrust practices. Many of the firm's top clients are investment banks, but, in recent years, the firm has expanded its intellectual property litigation practice. 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 $10,000 bonus for all lawyers who bill at least 1,950 hours, with additional money based on three separate billable hour levels above 1,950.