Intellectual Property Litigation Associate

Buchanan; Austin, Town of Texas, New York, Washington (TX, WI, NY, District of Columbia); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Buchanan in Austin, TX seeks a mid-level associate to join its Intellectual Property Litigation team. You will handle sophisticated patent and technology disputes as part of collaborative offices, gaining broad exposure and direct client contact early in your career.

The role offers opportunities to work on both claimant and defence matters, with lean case teams designed to give meaningful responsibility and development of advocacy skills.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of post-qualification experience in patent litigation.
• Strong drafting, analytical and communication skills.
• Experience handling complex IP disputes.
• Technical subject matter understanding.
• Academic credentials strong; clerkship advantageous.
• Admitted to practice in a US jurisdiction or eligible.

Responsibilities

• Advise on patent infringement and technology disputes.
• Draft pleadings, motions and court submissions.
• Manage discovery and support depositions.
• Contribute to case strategy and trial prep.
• Collaborate with clients, experts and offices.
• Develop advocacy skills with direct client contact.
• Exposure to hearings, trials and ITC investigations.

Skills

Patent litigation

Legal drafting

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Technical aptitude

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Experience: 3-6 years' PQE

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a mid-level associate to join the Intellectual Property Litigation practice of a highly regarded US litigation firm.

The successful candidate will work on sophisticated patent and technology disputes as part of collaborative teams spanning several offices. The practice handles both claimant and defence-side matters, providing associates with broad experience across complex IP litigation.

The role

• Advise clients on complex patent infringement and technology disputes
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs and other court submissions
• Manage discovery and support depositions
• Contribute to case strategy and trial preparation
• Work directly with clients and technical experts
• Collaborate with partners and associates across multiple offices
• Gain exposure to high-profile hearings, trials and, where relevant, ITC investigations

The firm operates with lean case teams, giving associates meaningful responsibility, direct client contact and opportunities to develop their advocacy skills at an earlier stage in their careers.

Candidate profile

• Approximately 3-6 years' relevant post-qualification experience, with some flexibility for exceptional candidates
• Strong patent litigation experience gained within a recognised law firm or litigation practice
• Experience handling sophisticated intellectual property disputes
• Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills
• Confidence working with complex technical subject matter
• Strong academic credentials
• A judicial clerkship would be advantageous but is not essential
• Admitted to practise in a relevant US jurisdiction, or eligible to become admitted

A technical undergraduate degree is preferred but not required. Candidates with backgrounds in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, life sciences or another technical discipline are encouraged to apply.

This opportunity would suit an associate who wants greater responsibility, earlier courtroom exposure and the chance to develop into an independent trial lawyer within a collaborative, supportive environment.