Patent Litigation Counsel

Job Title

Patent Litigation Counsel

Job Overview

A distinguished law firm based in San Francisco, CA is seeking a highly experienced Patent Litigation Counsel to support its intellectual property team. This role involves leading complex patent litigation cases from initiation through appeal. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in technology-focused patent disputes and a strategic mindset to high-stakes litigation.

Duties

• Manage and execute all phases of patent litigation, including initial case assessment, strategy development, and trial preparation

• Draft pleadings, motions, memoranda, and legal correspondence for use in federal and state court, arbitration, and mediation settings

• Conduct and defend depositions, develop expert witness strategy, and oversee discovery processes, including complex technical discovery

• Prepare for and actively participate in Markman hearings, inter partes reviews, and other claim construction proceedings

• Lead trial preparation and execution, including managing trial exhibits, objections, motions in limine, and witness examination

• Contribute to Federal Circuit appeals and develop persuasive appellate briefs

• Collaborate with internal teams and supervise junior attorneys and staff

• Engage with opposing counsel on negotiations, procedural matters, and case strategy

• Identify opportunities to protect and monetize intellectual assets through litigation strategy

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of direct patent litigation experience

• Demonstrated experience managing litigation from inception to resolution, including trial and appellate phases

• Strong working knowledge of claim construction, infringement, and invalidity analysis, and IPR proceedings

• Experience with matters related to electrical engineering, computer science, or closely related technical fields

• Exceptional written and oral advocacy skills with strategic litigation judgment

• Prior trial experience is strongly preferred

• Active admission to practice before the USPTO is highly desired

Education

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

Certifications

• Member in good standing with the California State Bar or eligible for prompt admission

• USPTO registration preferred

Skills

• Deep understanding of patent law and federal litigation procedures

• Strong analytical, research, and drafting capabilities

• Ability to lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced legal environment

• Confident courtroom presence and effective cross-functional communication

• Technologically savvy, especially in cases involving complex inventions and digital systems

• Adept at balancing strategic thinking with detailed execution

Job Location

San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco office of this mid-sized firm is engaged primarily in litigation and general business, although the firm boasts a solid regulatory and administrative law practice and a respectable labor/employment practice. The firm has a strong pro bono commitment; associates receive full billable hour credit for approved pro bono work, and overall, pro bono comprises 3-5% of all work. The billable hour target is 1850.