Associate / Attorney - IP Patent

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Benefits package

Job summary

Watts & Associates, working with an AMLaw ranked national firm in Chicago, seeks an IP Patent Associate with 3–6 years of experience to join its hybrid office.

The role offers a varied practice across litigation, prosecution and portfolio strategy, including district court, Federal Circuit, PTAB exposure and client counseling. Base salary ranges $235,000–$305,000 with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Three to six years AMLaw firm experience.
• Patent litigation, prosecution or substantial related experience.
• Admission Chicago state bar and the USPTO.
• Strong research, writing and oral-advocacy skills.
• Excellent academic credentials and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle patent litigation in federal district courts.
• Support Federal Circuit appeals and post-grant proceedings.
• Draft motions, briefs and discovery materials.
• Take and defend depositions with appropriate supervision.
• Prepare experts and support claim-construction strategy.
• Supervise patent prosecution and patent-agent workstreams.
• Counsel clients on strategy, risk and enforcement.
• Support licensing and portfolio-management matters.
• Track legal developments and emerging technologies.

Skills

Patent litigation

Prosecution

Client counselling

Oral advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

USPTO admitted

Illinois Bar

Job description

IP Patent Associate – Engineering / Computer Science / Related Discipline | 3–6 Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid – 3 Days In Office | $235,000–$305,000 Base + Benefits & Bonuses | AMLaw Ranked Firm

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded AMLaw ranked national full-service law firm with a broad patent litigation, prosecution and counselling platform seeking a IP Patent Associate with 3–6 years of experience to join its Chicago, IL office.

This opportunity offers a genuinely varied patent practice spanning litigation, prosecution, post‑grant proceedings, licensing and portfolio strategy within a nationally recognised intellectual property practice. The successful attorney will work closely with partners and attorneys working seamlessly across offices, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to district‑court litigation, Federal Circuit appeals, PTAB proceedings and client counselling.

Company Highlights

• National full-service platform with a multidisciplinary intellectual property practice
• Broad patent capability across litigation, prosecution and portfolio management
• Federal district‑court, Federal Circuit and PTAB experience
• Work involving licensing, counselling, enforcement and risk management
• Clients operating across technology, manufacturing and innovation‑led industries
• Cross‑office model providing varied matters regardless of resident office
• Partner‑led teams with increasing client contact and responsibility
• Hybrid policy with three office days and strong team accessibility

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Join a versatile patent practice offering:

• A rare blend of litigation, prosecution and counselling work
• District‑court, Federal Circuit and post‑grant exposure
• Ownership of discovery, motions and prosecution workstreams
• Direct access to partners and sophisticated clients
• Strategic patent, licensing and portfolio experience
• Opportunities to broaden beyond a single IP silo
• Long‑term development across the full patent lifecycle

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead patent matters, including:

• Handle patent litigation in federal district courts
• Support Federal Circuit appeals and post‑grant proceedings
• Draft motions, briefs and discovery materials
• Take and defend depositions with appropriate supervision
• Prepare experts and support claim‑construction strategy
• Supervise patent prosecution and patent‑agent workstreams
• Counsel clients on strategy, risk and enforcement
• Support licensing and portfolio‑management matters
• Track legal developments and emerging technologies

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 IP Patent Associate with:

• Three to six years of AMLaw firm experience
• Patent litigation, prosecution or substantial related experience
• Admission Chicago state bar and the USPTO
• Strong research, writing and oral‑advocacy skills
• Excellent academic credentials and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Capacity to manage multiple matters and client priorities
• Commitment to developing broad patent expertise

A degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering or a related discipline is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $235,000–$305,000, depending on experience, qualifications, location and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement support, paid time off, family‑care benefits, professional development, wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.