Intellectual Property Litigation Associate Attorney (Patent Litigation)

Direct Counsel is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join a premier Intellectual Property Litigation practice in Palo Alto. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with patent litigation experience who is looking to work on sophisticated technology and innovation-driven disputes alongside a nationally recognized team.

The ideal candidate will have strong patent litigation experience, exceptional academic credentials, and a technical background that supports complex intellectual property matters across a variety of industries.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in patent and intellectual property litigation matters
• Handle all phases of litigation in federal courts and related proceedings
• Conduct legal research and draft:
  • Motions
  • Briefs
  • Legal memoranda
  • Discovery-related filings
• Participate in case strategy, fact development, and trial preparation
• Manage discovery, depositions, and expert-related work
• Support Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings when applicable
• Collaborate with technical experts, in-house counsel, and litigation teams
• Advise clients on patent enforcement, defense, and litigation strategy

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Law school class years 2019–2022
• Patent litigation and intellectual property litigation experience
• Outstanding academic credentials
• Strong research, writing, and analytical abilities
• Excellent oral advocacy and communication skills
• Ability to manage sophisticated litigation matters in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Technical Backgrounds

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Similar technical or engineering disciplines

Preferred Experience

• Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) proceedings
• Federal Circuit (CAFC) clerkship experience
• Experience working with complex technologies and technical experts

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $260,000 – $390,000
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance

Why This Opportunity

• Join a nationally recognized IP Litigation practice
• Work on sophisticated patent disputes involving cutting-edge technologies
• Gain significant responsibility and direct client exposure
• Collaborate with leading litigators, technical experts, and innovative companies
• Strong opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.