Associate Principal (Intellectual Property practice)

Charles River Associates - Private; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Charles River Associates (CRA) is seeking an Associate Principal in the Intellectual Property practice to lead economic and financial analyses for high-stakes disputes, transactions, and valuations. You will supervise teams, develop expert reports, and present findings to clients.

The role emphasizes project management, client interaction, and the ability to deliver clear, well-structured analyses with strong writing and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related analytic discipline; advanced degree desirable.
• CFA or CPA beneficial, but not required.
• 7–10 years of finance, accounting or economic work experience; consulting or financial services preferred.
• Proven project management skills and strong business writing ability.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Effectively plan and manage assigned projects, supervising and being accountable for the work of other team members.
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients and assist in presenting conclusions and recommendations.
• Create and develop client deliverables including expert reports summarizing opinions.
• Independently conceptualize and identify issues, design financial models, and oversee analyses.
• Direct project team members on scope, deliverables, and deadlines.
• Summarize key issues from client documents, analyst reports, and external data.
• Provide strategic insights to leadership on project scope, budget, and staffing.
• Lead and participate in recruiting and professional development efforts and firm initiatives.

Skills

Financial analysis

Project management

Client communication

Business writing

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business

Job description

About Charles River Associates

Since 1965, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics. At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including 94% of the top 100 law firms, 80% of the Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies around the globe. Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you accelerate your career.

Position Overview

In our Intellectual Property practice, we bring analytical rigor and objectivity to all types of IP issues, whether in the context of high-stakes disputes, transactions, valuations, or compliance matters. In the dispute context, CRA is hired to quantify and provide independent, expert testimony on damages in patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright infringement matters. CRA is also hired to perform valuations of IP for the purpose of mergers and acquisitions, licensing negotiations, or tax reasons, and to evaluate strategic business decisions as they relate to a client’s intellectual property holdings.

Our Associate Principals work in project teams with Vice Presidents and junior staff on a variety of client engagements across industries. You need a solid working knowledge of financial and economic concepts, and proven project and people management skills. Responsibilities include:

• Effectively plan and manage assigned projects, including supervising and being accountable for the work of other team members;
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients and assist in the presentation of our conclusions and recommendations;
• Create and develop client deliverables including expert reports summarizing our opinions;
• Independently conceptualize and identify issues, design complex financial models to analyze economic and financial data, and oversee the creation of analyses;
• Direct project team members on project scope, deliverables, and deadlines;
• Summarize key issues identified from the review by team members of client documents, analyst reports, and third party financial, market and industry data;
• Provide strategic insights to leadership team regarding project scope, budget, and staffing;
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of analyses and opinions;
• Lead and participate in recruiting and professional development efforts, as well as other practice, office and corporate initiatives.

Minimal travel is required in the Intellectual Property practice.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related analytic discipline, advanced degree desirable;
• CFA or CPA professional certification beneficial, but not required;
• 7-10 years of finance, accounting or economic work experience, prior consulting or financial services experiences preferred;
• Proven project management skills and a strong aptitude in business writing;
• Strong teamwork and flexibility;
• Exceptional communication skills with both team members and clients;
• High level of initiative and responsibility;
• Dedication to quality;
• Strong work ethic, creativity, and a positive attitude;
• Ability to learn quickly, solve problems, and prioritize tasks.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit the following:

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number;
• Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

Career Growth & Benefits

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client’s location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary and other compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $170,000. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation.

CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.