Junior to Mid-level Intellectual Property Disputes Associate

Job Overview:

A highly regarded law firm is seeking a Junior to Midlevel Associate to join its intellectual property disputes practice. The ideal candidate will have 1-5 years of experience in intellectual property litigation and a strong technical background, preferably in electrical or computer engineering, computer science, or a related field. This role provides the opportunity to work on high-stakes IP litigation matters in a dynamic and collaborative environment. The candidate must be an active member of the bar in the state of application.

Location:

• Palo Alto, CA.

Duties:

• Manage and assist with a variety of intellectual property disputes, including patent, trademark, and trade secret litigation.
• Draft and file legal documents such as motions, pleadings, discovery requests, and settlement agreements.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic recommendations to senior attorneys and clients.
• Attend and assist with depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Participate in case strategy meetings and collaborate with clients on litigation matters.
• Oversee and assist in discovery, including document review and production.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and provide timely legal advice.
• Monitor and track developments in IP law and contribute to internal knowledge sharing.

Requirements:

• 1-5 years of experience in intellectual property disputes, ideally with a focus on patent and trademark litigation.
• Technical background in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field is preferred.
• Active membership in the state bar where applying.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to handle complex legal matters and work in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines and handle multiple responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop client relationships.

Education:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active membership in the state bar where applying.

Skills:

• Expertise in intellectual property law, particularly in IP litigation (patents, trademarks, and trade secrets).
• Exceptional legal writing and research capabilities.
• Strong communication and client interaction skills.
• Proficiency with legal software and case management systems.
• Ability to prioritize and manage complex workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative approach to working within a team of attorneys and staff.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and location.
• Performance-based annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability).
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, personal days, and holidays).
• Paid parental and pregnancy disability leave.
• Employee Assistance Program and Work/Life Services.
• Commuter benefits and childcare assistance.
• Eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus.
• Access to wellness programs and flexible spending accounts (health and dependent care).
• Clerkship bonus eligibility for candidates who have recently completed a judicial clerkship.
• Opportunity for career development and advancement in a supportive work environment.

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.