Associate / Attorney - Life Sciences Patent

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 235,000 - 435,000; Full time

Job summary

Watts & Associates Recruitment represents a prestigious Am Law 50 life sciences law firm seeking a Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate in Chicago, IL. The role targets individuals with 2–7 years of patent litigation or life-sciences litigation experience.

Ideal candidates will possess strong legal research, writing and analytical skills, with the ability to understand complex scientific issues. Expect ownership of substantive workstreams and close collaboration with partners.

Qualifications

• Strong legal research and writing abilities.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex scientific issues.
• Strong discovery and case-management fundamentals.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions and substantive briefs.
• Analyse patents, scientific records and technical evidence.
• Manage discovery and document-production workstreams.
• Support claim-construction and infringement analysis.
• Work with scientific, technical and damages experts.
• Prepare fact and expert witnesses.
• Assist with depositions, hearings and trial preparation.
• Contribute to case strategy and settlement analysis.
• Support appellate or PTAB matters where relevant.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Discovery

Case management

Education

Advanced degree in Life Sciences (chemistry/biology/biochemistry)

Job description

Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate | Chicago, IL | 2–7 Years' Experience | $235,000–$435,000 Base + Benefits & Bonuses | Am Law 50

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 50 global full-service law firm seeking a Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate to join its Chicago, IL office.

This opportunity offers complex pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life-sciences patent disputes for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other research-driven companies within a nationally recognised life-sciences patent litigation practice. The successful attorney will work closely with partners and senior lawyers, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to high-value work, important clients and cross-practice collaboration.

Company Highlights

• Am Law 50 global platform recognised for technology, energy and infrastructure, finance and complex litigation
• International client base spanning high-growth companies, market leaders, investors and financial institutions
• Recognised strength in life-sciences patent litigation and complementary corporate, regulatory or litigation disciplines
• Established teams advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other research-driven companies on complex, high-value matters
• Top-tier training through practice academies, retreats, technical programmes and shadowing opportunities
• Structured mentoring, performance feedback and individual career coaching
• Strong investment in innovation, legal technology and efficient client delivery
• Meaningful pro bono opportunities supported across practices and offices
• Collegial environment designed to make demanding work professionally and personally rewarding

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a well-established life-sciences patent litigation practice offering:

• High-stakes pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent disputes
• Exposure to ANDA, Hatch-Waxman and broader life-sciences litigation
• Meaningful ownership of substantive litigation workstreams
• Direct access to experienced patent trial lawyers and scientific experts
• Work involving commercially important products and portfolios
• Strong scientific, legal and commercial development
• A credible route to long-term advancement and trial responsibility

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead key components of life-sciences patent litigation matters, including:

• Draft pleadings, motions and substantive briefs
• Analyse patents, scientific records and technical evidence
• Manage discovery and document-production workstreams
• Support claim-construction and infringement analysis
• Work with scientific, technical and damages experts
• Prepare fact and expert witnesses
• Assist with depositions, hearings and trial preparation
• Contribute to case strategy and settlement analysis
• Support appellate or PTAB matters where relevant

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

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking a life sciences patent litigation associate with:

• Approximately 2–7 years of patent litigation or complex life-sciences litigation experience
• Experience with pharmaceutical, biotechnology or ANDA-related disputes
• Strong legal research, writing and analytical skills
• Ability to understand and communicate complex scientific issues
• Strong discovery and case-management fundamentals
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Strong academic credentials and sophisticated law-firm experience
• Admission to the Illinois Bar, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly

An advanced degree or technical background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a related life-sciences field is strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $235,000–$435,000, depending on class year, experience, location, qualifications and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility, comprehensive health and insurance benefits, retirement support, paid time off, professional-development resources, wellbeing programmes and pro bono opportunities.

Relevant search terms: Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate, Life-Sciences Patent Litigation, Chicago, IL, Am Law 50, Attorney Jobs, PatentLitigation, LifeSciences, ANDA, Law Firm Associate, Legal Recruiting