Junior/Midlevel Intellectual Property Disputes Associate

Job Overview

A prominent international law firm is seeking a junior to midlevel associate with 1–5 years of experience to join its Intellectual Property Disputes practice. The role involves high-level legal work in patent and technology-related litigation and is ideal for candidates with a technical background in computer science or engineering. This opportunity is open across several U.S. offices and offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Location

• Chicago, IL

Duties

• Handle a variety of intellectual property litigation matters, particularly in patent disputes

• Draft legal documents, including motions, pleadings, and discovery materials

• Perform legal research and analysis

• Assist with case strategy development and trial preparation

• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices

• Support partners with hearings, depositions, and client communications

Requirements

• 1–5 years of experience in a large law firm or equivalent setting

• Strong background in intellectual property litigation, with a focus on technology or patents

• Admission to the bar in the state corresponding to the office location

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Certifications

• Active membership in good standing with the applicable state bar

Skills

• Excellent legal writing and analytical skills

• Background in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical field is preferred

• Strong oral advocacy and communication skills

• High attention to detail and ability to manage complex legal issues

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Familiarity with patent litigation processes and technical subject matter

Benefits 

• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility

• Clerkship bonus (for qualifying candidates)

• Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan participation

• Health savings and flexible spending accounts

• Paid time off benefits:

  • 20 vacation days annually

  • 9 paid holidays

  • 2 personal days

  • Up to 10 paid sick days per year

  • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave

  • Up to 10 weeks paid pregnancy disability leave

  • Up to 5 days bereavement leave

• Access to employee wellness and support programs

• Childcare and commuter assistance benefits

• Career development and training resources

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.