Intellectual Property Litigation Associate

Miller Johnson; Illinois; On-site; USD 175,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

HSA contributions

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Miller Johnson in Illinois is seeking an Intellectual Property Litigation Associate with 1–3 years of experience to join our growing IP Litigation Practice Group. This role offers exposure to complex disputes in patent, trademark, and trade secret matters, working alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment.

The successful candidate will contribute to research, drafting, discovery, and depositions, develop a strong technical understanding relevant to IP issues, and grow into a

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar or eligibility to obtain it promptly after hire.
• 1–3 years of litigation experience, ideally involving complex IP disputes.
• Technical or STEM background preferred, particularly in CS or engineering fields.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Patent litigation experience preferred; exposure to trademark or trade secret litigation is valuable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal and factual research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation materials under supervision.
• Support all phases of IP litigation, including case development, discovery, motion practice, depositions, expert discovery, and pretrial prep.
• Assist with written discovery, document review, document productions, and discovery-related issues.
• Assist attorneys with preparing witnesses, clients, and case materials for depositions.
• Identify relevant legal, factual, and technical issues and communicate findings to the case team.
• Develop familiarity with patent law and other substantive IP doctrines relevant to the team's matters.
• Work with experts and attorneys to analyze technical issues and develop supporting case materials.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and workstreams while seeking guidance and incorporating feedback.
• Track deadlines and deliverables associated with assigned responsibilities and communicate proactively regarding timing or challenges.
• Participate in client and expert interactions as appropriate based on experience and needs of the matter.
• Collaborate with attorneys across different experience levels and working styles to support client matters.
• Travel periodically as needed for depositions, hearings, client meetings, and other case-related activities.

Skills

Analytical ability

Intellectual curiosity

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Research and writing

Education

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school

Admission to the Illinois Bar or eligibility after hire

Job description

Miller Johnson is seeking an Intellectual Property Litigation Associate with 1–3 years of experience to join our growing IP Litigation Practice Group. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career litigator to gain substantive experience working on sophisticated intellectual property disputes alongside experienced attorneys in a collaborative environment.

Our IP Litigation team handles a broad range of complex disputes, with a significant focus on patent litigation as well as trademark, trade secret, and other intellectual property matters. Associates have the opportunity to develop their litigation skills while building substantive knowledge of intellectual property law and the technical issues at the center of our clients’ disputes.

The ideal candidate has a strong interest in litigation, experience working on complex litigation matters, and an eagerness to continue developing their intellectual property and technical knowledge. We are looking for someone who is intellectually curious, responsive, collaborative, and willing to take ownership of their work.

Why Miller Johnson

What sets Miller Johnson apart is not just the work we do, but how we do it. Here, you will find meaningful work, strong collaboration, and a supportive culture where your contributions are valued, your growth is encouraged, and authenticity matters. Guided by integrity and candor, grit, a down-to-earth approach, commitment to excellence, and commitment to impact, we foster an environment where attorneys can grow thriving practices, deepen client relationships, contribute meaningfully to the firm's future, and build fulfilling careers.

What You'll Do

As an Associate in our IP Litigation Practice Group, you will:

• Conduct legal and factual research and draft discrete portions of pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation materials under the supervision of more senior attorneys.
• Support all phases of intellectual property litigation, including case development, discovery, motion practice, depositions, expert discovery, and pretrial preparation.
• Assist with written discovery, document review, document productions, and discovery-related issues.
• Assist attorneys with preparing witnesses, clients, and case materials for depositions.
• Identify relevant legal, factual, and technical issues and communicate findings clearly to the case team.
• Develop familiarity with patent law and other substantive intellectual property doctrines relevant to the team's matters.
• Work with experts and attorneys to analyze technical issues and develop supporting case materials.
• Take ownership of assigned tasks and workstreams while seeking guidance and incorporating feedback from more experienced attorneys.
• Track deadlines and deliverables associated with assigned responsibilities and communicate proactively regarding timing or potential challenges.
• Participate in client and expert interactions as appropriate based on experience and the needs of the matter.
• Collaborate with attorneys across different experience levels and working styles to effectively support client matters.
• Travel periodically as needed for depositions, hearings, client meetings, and other case-related activities.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will bring strong analytical ability, intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and a genuine interest in developing a sophisticated IP litigation practice.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar, or eligibility and willingness to obtain admission promptly following hire.
• 1–3 years of litigation experience, ideally involving complex commercial or intellectual property disputes.
• A technical or STEM background is preferred, particularly in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline.
• Prior exposure to substantive litigation work, including legal research and writing, discovery, and deposition preparation.
• Patent litigation experience is preferred; exposure to trademark or trade secret litigation is also valuable.
• Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative, curious, and team-oriented approach to practice.

Our Commitment

At Miller Johnson, we are committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work and build meaningful careers. We value diverse perspectives, foster authentic relationships, and believe our collective success is strengthened by the unique experiences and contributions of our people.

For this position, the anticipated base salary range is $175,000–$195,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Associates may also be eligible for bonus compensation in accordance with the Firm’s applicable bonus programs.

Miller Johnson offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a Health Savings Account with Firm contributions for eligible participants; life and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm matching contributions; paid vacation, sick time, and holidays; paid parental leave and adoption assistance; and additional employee wellness and pre‑tax benefit programs.

Miller Johnson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.