Associate - Intellectual Property | North Carolina/South Carolina

Maynard Nexsen PC; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Maynard Nexsen seeks an Associate for its Intellectual Property Practice Group, focused on patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio management, in NC/SC offices. The role requires law licensure and 3–5 years of IP experience, with a strong technical background.

The ideal candidate will advise clients on patent strategy, safeguard IP assets, and provide superb client service across industries, working in a collaborative, high-caliber environment of a leading Am Law 200 firm.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of patent prosecution and IP counseling experience.
• Technical background in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications.
• Registration to practice before the USPTO.
• Familiarity with trademark prosecution.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications for diverse clients.
• Manage patent portfolios and provide strategic IP counseling.
• Collaborate with clients across industries and technologies to safeguard IP assets.
• Deliver high-quality client service and contribute to matters for growth.

Skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Collaborative

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

USPTO registration

Job description

Associate - Intellectual Property | North Carolina/South Carolina

09.04.2026

Maynard Nexsen, a full-service law firm with over 600 attorneys across offices nationwide, is seeking a highly motivatedAssociateto join its growing Intellectual Property Practice Group. The ideal candidate will be situated in one of the Firm's North Carolina or South Carolina offices, other offices may be considered depending on the candidate.

The Firm seeks a dynamicassociatewith 3-5 years of intellectual property experience, with a primary focus on patent preparation, prosecution, portfolio management, and strategic counseling. Candidates should possess a strong technical background in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, and demonstrate excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

The successful candidate will work closely with clients across a variety of industries and technologies, assisting with the development, protection, and enforcement of intellectual property assets. Candidates should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to providing outstanding client service.

Requirements:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and strong academic credentials;
• 3-5 years of experience in patent prosecution and intellectual property counseling in a law firm or comparable environment;
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science,Software Engineering, or a related technical field;
• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO);
• Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and managing domestic and foreign patent portfolios;
• Experience conducting patentability, freedom-to-operate, validity, and landscape analyses is preferred; and
• Familiarity in trademark prosecution

The position offers substantial client contact and the opportunity to work on sophisticated intellectual property matters for emerging growth companies, established businesses, and innovative technology-driven clients.

Additional information on the Intellectual Property Practice Group can be found here.

Salary, benefits, and bonus opportunities are comparable to other Am Law 200 firms. We are devoted to fostering and maintaining a collegial and diverse work environment and are strongly committed to the professional and personal development of our attorneys.