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 Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will join a dynamic team handling high-profile cases in a collegial and diverse environment, focusing on complex technical matters in the high-tech and life-sciences industries.

Duties

• Focus on Federal Circuit patent appeals and other 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, with a proven 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 and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Commitment to the highest standards of professional excellence.
• Experience with life-sciences patent matters (including Hatch-Waxman, BPCIA, or direct-competitor cases) 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.
• Flexible Time Off program and paid holidays.

This Silicon Valley firm offers a full-service practice which covers a number of areas, including: intellectual property, corporate, and labor & employment. The firm's intellectual property practice is both rapidly expanding and exceptionally solid; the firm's intellectual property attorneys have extensive experience in state, federal, and international litigation, as well as licensing, litigation avoidance and other matters across the complete spectrum of intellectual property issues. The atmosphere is collegial, but slightly more conservative than most Bay Area firms. Salaries are in line with other top Bay Area firms, and the firm provides a sizable bonus for all lawyers who bill at least 1,950 hours, with additional money based on three separate billable-hour levels above 1,950.