Intellectual Property Litigation Associate Attorney

Emerald Search Partners; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Trial exposure

Mentorship and growth

Collaborative team

Job summary

Emerald Search Partners is partnering with a respected Seattle-based IP and litigation firm to hire an IP Litigation Associate. You will own significant cases from strategy through trial and work closely with seasoned senior attorneys.

The ideal candidate has at least 6 years of substantive litigation experience, federal court exposure, and the ability to manage matters independently while collaborating with the team. Washington admission is preferred and in‑office Seattle work is required.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Minimum of 6 years of substantive litigation experience.
• Licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with Washington admission preferred.
• Federal court litigation experience required.
• Experience taking and defending depositions.
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to independently manage substantive case work while collaborating with senior attorneys.
• IP litigation experience is a plus but not required.
• In-office Seattle work required.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and management of complex litigation matters.
• Represent clients in depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Prepare witnesses for depositions and trial testimony.
• Collaborate with senior attorneys to develop and execute case strategy.

Skills

Litigation strategy

Depositions

Trial preparation

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Briefing/Writing

Team collaboration

IP litigation (plus)

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Intellectual Property Litigation Associate

Looking for a litigation role where you can take meaningful ownership of complex cases and see them through from strategy to trial?

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Emerald Search Partners collaborates with leading law firms and corporate legal departments throughout Washington and across the country. With more than 90 years of combined legal recruiting experience, we are committed to connecting talented attorneys with opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and values.

We are currently partnering with a long-established Seattle intellectual property and litigation firm seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join its growing litigation team. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned litigator ready to take on significant responsibility, contribute strategically, and collaborate closely with experienced senior attorneys.

With significant litigation matters on the horizon, this role offers substantial hands‑on experience across the full lifecycle of complex cases. While intellectual property experience is welcomed, it is not required, the firm is particularly interested in accomplished litigators with strong federal court experience who are eager to work across sophisticated matters.

What We're Looking For:

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Minimum of 6 years of substantive litigation experience
• Licensed to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with Washington admission preferred
• Federal court litigation experience required
• Experience taking and defending depositions
• Experience preparing witnesses for depositions and trial testimony
• Strong legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
• Experience drafting briefs, motions, memoranda, and other substantive litigation documents
• Ability to independently manage substantive case work while collaborating closely with senior attorneys
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Intellectual property litigation experience is a plus but not required
• USPTO registration and/or a technical background is desirable but not required
• Ability to work in‑office full‑time in Seattle

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary ranging from $225,000-$300,000 DOE
• Lower billable target than many peer firms
• Bonus opportunities for exceeding expectations
• Meaningful involvement in upcoming trials and complex litigation matters
• Hands‑on courtroom experience and exposure to the full lifecycle of cases
• Collaborative, close‑knit litigation team
• Mentorship and opportunities for continued professional growth
• Firm culture that values both excellence and balance

Why Partner with Emerald Search Partners?

• Access to confidential and exclusive opportunities
• Insight into firm culture, leadership, and growth potential
• Interview preparation and offer negotiation support
• A recruiting partner invested in your long‑term success

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced litigator who wants to move beyond a narrowly defined role and take meaningful ownership of sophisticated cases. The firm offers the chance to work closely with senior attorneys, contribute to case strategy, and gain significant courtroom exposure while maintaining a culture centered around teamwork, professional growth, and balance.