Patent Litigation Associate
PATENT LITIGATION ASSOCIATE
Multiple U.S. Offices | Hybrid – Local to office (flexible)
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COMPENSATION
Base: $225,000--$435,000 (Cravath scale match or exceed, commensurate with class year)
Total Compensation: Base + discretionary above-market bonus (no formal billable requirement; minimum bonus tier at 1,800 hours)
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WHY THIS ROLE
This is one of the top-ranked patent litigation practices in the country — recognized by Chambers and Vault as a national leader in IP, with consistently strong win rates in high-stakes patent disputes across district court, ITC, PTAB, and the Federal Circuit. The firm actually tries cases, which means real courtroom exposure rather than matters that perpetually settle. There is no formal billable hour requirement; the minimum bonus tier starts at 1,800 hours, and the discretionary bonus program is widely recognized as above-market, frequently exceeding peer BigLaw firms. Staffing is free-market — no central assignment system — so you build your own partner relationships and pull meaningful work on your own timeline, with substantive responsibility earlier than most BigLaw structures allow. Comp matches or exceeds Cravath scale.
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ABOUT THE ROLE
Mid-level patent litigation role covering the full matter lifecycle — district court proceedings, ITC Section 337 investigations, PTAB (IPR) proceedings, and Federal Circuit appeals — for leading technology and life sciences companies. Cases involve semiconductors, computer architecture, wireless/cellular standards, software, life sciences, and pharma.
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REQUIREMENTS
Experience: 2–6 years of patent litigation experience (class years 2020–2024)
- STEM degree required (computer science or electrical engineering strongly preferred)
- Substantive patent litigation experience at a top firm
- Track record of taking on real responsibility early; ability to manage discovery on lean teams
- Strong technical and legal writing skills
Preferred:
- Standup or trial experience
- Technical depth in semiconductors, computer architecture, or wireless/cellular standards
Bar Admission: Not specified
Visa Sponsorship: Not available (not explicitly confirmed during intake — worth verifying)
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LOGISTICS
Location: San Francisco, CA | Silicon Valley, CA | Los Angeles, CA | San Diego, CA | Austin, TX | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX | New York, NY | Washington, D.C. | Seattle, WA | Chicago, IL | Boston, MA | Salt Lake City, UT | Atlanta, GA
Work Policy: Hybrid – must be local to a firm office; no formal in-office day requirement, but presence expected as needed; fully remote not available