Junior to Mid-level Intellectual Property Disputes Associate

Job Overview
A prestigious law firm is seeking a junior to midlevel associate (1-5 years of experience) to join its Intellectual Property (IP) Disputes practice. The ideal candidate will have a background in electrical or computer engineering, computer science, or equivalent technical experience, along with strong litigation and IP dispute resolution skills. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to work in a dynamic environment, handling high-stakes intellectual property cases.

Location

• Palo Alto, CA

Duties

• Assist in managing and litigating complex intellectual property disputes, including patent, trademark, and trade secret cases.
• Provide counsel and legal strategies to clients in technology-driven industries.
• Conduct legal research, draft pleadings, motions, and other litigation documents.
• Support senior associates and partners in the preparation for trials and hearings.
• Collaborate with clients and technical experts to develop case strategies and understand intricate technical issues.
• Engage in discovery, including depositions, document review, and the preparation of discovery motions.
• Participate in settlement discussions, negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes.
• Stay up-to-date on developments in intellectual property law and relevant case law.

Requirements

• 1-5 years of experience in intellectual property disputes, preferably within a large law firm environment.
• A background in electrical or computer engineering, computer science, or equivalent technical experience is highly desirable.
• Strong litigation and dispute resolution skills, including experience in patent and IP-related matters.
• Active membership in the bar of the state corresponding to the office location.
• Proven ability to handle complex legal issues and collaborate effectively with both legal and technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• A technical degree in electrical/computer engineering, computer science, or a related field is preferred, but not required.

Certifications

• Active membership in the state bar of the office location (e.g., California, Illinois, District of Columbia).

Skills

• Strong technical background in intellectual property law and related litigation.
• Experience in handling patent, trademark, and trade secret litigation matters.
• Exceptional legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to interact with clients, technical experts, and opposing counsel.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Solid understanding of complex IP-related technologies.
• Effective communicator with the ability to explain complex legal and technical concepts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, financial, and other benefits (e.g., 401(k) eligibility, vacation, sick leave, and parental leave).
• Opportunities for career development and advancement within a leading law firm.
• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives.
• Access to a collaborative and supportive legal team with significant intellectual property expertise.

This large law firm opened with a labor and leveraged-leasing practice and quickly built a substantial corporate and litigation practice. Today, the firm focuses its practice on business and finance, investment management, litigation, labor and employment, real estate and environmental issues. Attorneys at the firm enjoy a faily casual, though conservative, environment where partners tend to be collegial and offer excellent formal and informal training programs. In addition to recieving fair market salaries, associates at the firm have the opportunity to participate in award winning pro bono work.