Associate / Attorney - Intellectual Property

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 235,000 - 310,000; Full time

Job summary

Watts & Associates Recruitment represents a premier Am Law 100 global law firm seeking an Intellectual Property Associate with a technical/engineering focus. The role involves ownership of substantive corporate matters, drafting and negotiating documents, and coordinating due diligence across cross‑practice teams in multiple U.S.

offices, including Austin and Houston. Ideal candidates will have 2–4 years of substantive corporate experience, strong drafting and communication skills, and admission

Qualifications

• Approximately 2–4 years of substantive corporate experience.
• Admission in California, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly, is required.

Responsibilities

• Advise corporate clients on complex transactions, governance and strategic commercial matters.
• Draft and negotiate principal and ancillary transaction documents.
• Manage due diligence, transaction timetables and cross-practice workstreams.
• Work directly with partners and clients and take increasing ownership of substantive matters.

Job description

Intellectual Property Associate - Technical/ Engineering Focus | Multiple U.S. Offices | Firm Policy | 2–4 Years' Experience | $235,000–$310,000 Base + Bonus | Am Law 100

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 100 global full-service law firm seeking a Intellectual Property Associate - Technical/ Engineering Focus to join its Multiple U.S. Offices platform.

This opportunity offers sophisticated sophisticated corporate transactions for corporate, investment and financial clients within a nationally recognised corporate practice.

The successful attorney will work closely with partners and senior attorneys, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to high-value work, important clients and cross-practice collaboration.

Company Highlights

• Am Law 100 global full-service platform with sophisticated domestic and cross-border capabilities.
• Recognised practice strength across corporate and related corporate, regulatory or litigation disciplines.
• Established team advising corporate, investment and financial clients on complex, high-value matters.
• Collaborative and partner-led environment offering meaningful associate responsibility.
• Structured mentoring, practical training and individual career-development support.
• Strong commitment to professional development, wellbeing, inclusion, innovation and pro bono work.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a well-established corporate practice offering:

• Sophisticated sophisticated corporate transactions for corporate, investment and financial clients.
• Meaningful ownership of substantive workstreams and increasing responsibility based on experience.
• Direct access to partners, senior attorneys and clients.
• Opportunities to deepen technical, commercial and strategic experience within a recognised corporate practice.
• A credible platform for long-term progression and advancement.

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead key components of corporate matters, including:

• Advise corporate clients on complex transactions, governance and strategic commercial matters.
• Draft and negotiate principal and ancillary transaction documents.
• Manage due diligence, transaction timetables and cross-practice workstreams.
• Work directly with partners and clients and take increasing ownership of substantive matters.
• Coordinate with attorneys and professionals across related practice areas and offices.

The role offers direct collaboration with partners, senior attorneys and clients, together with increasing responsibility and opportunities to take ownership of important workstreams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking an attorney with:

• Approximately 2–4 years of substantive corporate experience.
• Experience handling sophisticated corporate transactions for sophisticated clients.
• Strong drafting, analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet demanding deadlines and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Strong academic credentials and experience in a sophisticated law‑firm environment.
• Admission in California, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Washington, West Virginia, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly, is required.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $235,000–$310,000, depending on class year, experience, location, qualifications and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement and 401(k) benefits.
• Paid time off and firm holidays.
• Parental and family‑care benefits.
• Professional‑development and continuing legal education support.
• Wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.

Location and Working Arrangement

The position is available in Los Angeles, CA / Irvine, CA / Menlo Park, CA / Sacramento, CA / San Francisco, CA / Santa Monica, CA / Austin, TX / Houston, TX / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Washington, DC / New York, NY / Portland, OR / Seattle, WA / Wheeling, WV.

Working arrangements are governed by the firm's current office policy and may vary by office, team, client and business requirements.

Candidates must be admitted in the relevant jurisdiction or be eligible to obtain admission within the required timeframe.