Intellectual Property Associate - Technology

Wilmer; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

WilmerHale seeks an Intellectual Property Associate in Palo Alto to work on patent prosecution and IP litigation. The successful candidate will have 2–4 years of post‑JD experience and will collaborate with partners and associates on a wide range of matters.

Responsibilities include drafting and prosecuting patent applications, developing IP portfolios, mentoring junior lawyers, and participating in pre‑litigation diligence.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Licensed to practice in MA, NY, CA or DC.
• 2–4 years of post‑JD experience in patent prosecution and IP litigation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the USPTO.
• Developing and managing strategic IP portfolios for clients.
• Mentorship and training of junior associates.
• Pre-litigation diligence and drafting pleadings for IP disputes.
• Preparing experts; experience with post‑grant proceedings is preferred.
• Depositions experience is a plus.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Electrical/CS background

Job description

1516

Associate Position

Palo Alto, CA

*Intellectual Property/Patent

Monday, September 14, 2026

Legal

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology, and business and we have a steadfast commitment to quality and excellence in everything we do—a commitment reflected in the continued success of our clients across the globe.

We are committed to recruiting, retaining, developing and promoting the best legal talent. Accordingly, the total compensation package—base salary, bonus and benefits for all lawyers at the firm is highly competitive with that of other major law firms.

WilmerHale is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Intellectual Property Associate Attorney to join our thriving IP practice. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge patent prosecution and litigation matters with a team of experienced attorneys. This role can be based in our Boston, Denver, New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto or Washington, DC office.

About the Role:

The successful candidate will have 2-4 years of post-JD experience with a strong focus on both patent prosecution and IP litigation. You will work closely with partners and other associates on a wide range of matters, including:

Patent Prosecution:

• Drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the USPTO.
• Developing and managing strategic IP portfolios for clients.
• Providing mentorship and training to junior associates.

Intellectual Property Litigation/Disputes:

• Conducting pre-litigation diligence
• Drafting pleadings, conducting legal research, and preparing expert witnesses.
• Experience with post-grant proceedings, such as inter partes reviews and post-grant reviews is preferred.
• Experience in taking and defending depositions is a plus.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering required with preference for Graduate Degree or industry experience in these disciplines.
• 2-4 years of post-JD experience in both patent prosecution and IP litigation.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO.
• Must be licensed to practice law and in good standing in the state/jurisdiction in which the position is based (MA, NY, CA or DC).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and aspart of a collaborative team.

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

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