Supreme Court and Appellate Associate - Patent Appeals and IP

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a Supreme Court and Appellate Associate specializing in patent appeals and intellectual property in New York City, NY. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in handling complex technical subject matter across high-tech and life-sciences industries, with a commitment to excellence and a collaborative spirit.

Duties

• Focus on Federal Circuit patent appeals and IP cases in high-tech and life-sciences sectors.
• Draft appellate briefs, petitions for certiorari, and amicus briefs.
• Conduct sophisticated legal research and analysis on complex patent-law and IP issues.
• Assist in developing appellate strategy and identifying key legal arguments.
• Collaborate with trial teams to preserve appellate issues and develop records for appeal.
• Prepare for and participate in moot courts and oral argument preparation.
• Advise clients on appellate procedure, potential outcomes, and strategic considerations.
• Engage deeply with technical subject matter.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Admission to at least one state bar; Federal Circuit admission preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in appellate litigation, focusing on patent and IP appeals.
• Prior clerkship experience, especially with the Federal Circuit or a district court with a significant patent docket.
• Demonstrated experience drafting appellate briefs and substantive motions in patent or IP matters.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence.
• Experience with life-sciences patent matters is ideal but not required.

Education

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to at least one state bar; Federal Circuit admission preferred.

Skills

• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to distill complex technical and legal issues into clear, persuasive arguments.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective communication with clients and colleagues.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Mental well-being programs.
• Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits.
• Short- and long-term disability and industry-leading parental leave benefits.
• Health savings account contributions and flexible spending accounts.
• 401K program.
• Compensated time off through Flexible Time Off program and paid holidays.

Substantial billable hours is the primary way to get the big bucks and partnership consideration at this large New York firm. With West Coast roots, but not attitude, these New York lawyers work hard. Competitive and fast-paced, this firm excels across practice areas, but is doing some particularly interesting VC work. Although a type A environment to be sure, the atmosphere is still friendly, albeit without a lot of casual partner/associate interaction. Partner/associate relationships are strong in professional terms, however, with excellent marks for training and a fairly regimented associate development program. Now competing to be one of New York's finest, this firm is increasingly selective in associate hiring.