Mid-Senior Level Patent Litigation Associate Attorney

Job Overview
A law firm seeks a highly motivated and experienced Mid-Senior Level Patent Litigation Associate Attorney to join its team in Buffalo, NY. This role is ideal for an attorney with a strong background in patent litigation, particularly in cases involving complex technology sectors such as electrical engineering or computer science. The successful candidate will be pivotal in managing all aspects of patent litigation, from drafting pleadings to preparing for trials and appeals. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-stakes cases and mentor junior associates.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, and correspondence for state and federal court, arbitration, and mediation proceedings.
• Draft and respond to complex discovery requests, including interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission.
• Confer, negotiate, and communicate effectively with opposing counsel to advance case strategies and achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
• Prepare for, defend, and conduct expert witness depositions.
• Prepare for trial, including creating exhibit lists, evidentiary objections, motions in limine, and witness preparation.
• Draft Federal Circuit appeal briefs and manage the appellate process.
• Supervise and train junior associates, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality work product and professional development.
• Participate in Markman and claim construction proceedings, including drafting and arguing claim construction briefs.
• Develop and execute overall litigation strategy, including patent-specific fact and expert discovery.
• Engage in inter partes reviews and other post-grant proceedings as part of litigation strategy.
• Stay current with patent law and technology developments relevant to the firm's practice areas.

Requirements

• 6-8 years of patent litigation experience, focusing on drafting and responding to pleadings, preparing infringement and invalidity claim charts, and managing complex discovery.
• Significant experience with Markman and claim construction proceedings, patent-specific facts, expert discovery, inter partes reviews, and overall litigation strategy.
• Patent trial experience is a plus.
• Admission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is highly desired.
• Strong academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to professional excellence.
• Superb judgment and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent client services and maintain strong client relationships.

Education and Certifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Bar in at least one state, with a preference for New York State.
• Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline, or substantial experience litigating matters in these or similar disciplines.
• Admission to the USPTO is preferred.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think strategically.
• Exceptional legal writing and research skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Leadership and mentoring skills to guide and support junior associates.
• Proficiency in using legal research tools, case management software, and other technology relevant to patent litigation.

Location

• Buffalo, NY

This firm has gone through countless mergers to end up where it is today: a national full-service firm. The firm has the advantage of having both suburban East Coast offices and branches in several major cities, which allows the firm to accommodate a spectrum of needs and clients. In the city, the practice is strongly litigation and intellectual property oriented, with a particularly popular employment section. Associates here have the benefits of a smaller firm attitude with the offices and paychecks of a large firm. Pulling down lots of hours, but not unreasonable amounts, the associates get good responsibility and on the job training.