Intellectual Property Litigation Member

the Opportunity; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Health Savings Account

Life and disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, sick time and holidays

Parental leave and adoption assistance

Wellness and pre-tax benefits

Job summary

Miller Johnson in Chicago seeks an experienced Intellectual Property Litigation Member to lead sophisticated IP disputes, including design patent matters, and to advise clients while growing the practice. The role emphasizes strategic judgment, mentorship, and cross-team collaboration.

The successful candidate will manage major litigation phases, work with technical experts, and foster client relationships to expand the firm's IP footprint.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar or eligibility to waive into Illinois.
• Significant experience handling complex intellectual property litigation, including meaningful design patent litigation experience.
• A technical or STEM background is preferred, particularly in computer science, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, or related field.
• Experience with trademark, trade secret, or other IP disputes is a plus.
• Existing book of business or portable client relationships is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to contribute to business development and growth of the practice.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex matters and manage litigation phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead sophisticated IP litigation matters with a focus on patent disputes and design patent litigation.
• Evaluate case strengths and advise clients on strategy and potential outcomes.
• Lead depositions, hearings, mediations, discovery strategy, and motion practice.
• Develop substantive legal and technical arguments and oversee briefs and pleadings.
• Collaborate with technical experts to develop case theories and damages positions.
• Manage client relationships and communication on strategy, budgets, and deadlines.
• Lead case teams, mentor associates, and coordinate across practice groups.
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships and contribute to growth.
• Travel periodically for depositions, hearings, and client meetings.

Skills

Litigation leadership

Client relations

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

About the Opportunity

Miller Johnson is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Litigation Member to join our growing IP Litigation Practice Group. This is an opportunity for an accomplished IP litigator to play a significant role in leading sophisticated intellectual property disputes, advising clients, and contributing to the continued growth of the practice.

Our IP Litigation team handles a broad range of complex disputes, with a significant focus on patent litigation as well as trademark and trade secret matters. We are particularly interested in candidates with meaningful design patent litigation experience who bring strong strategic judgment and the ability to lead matters and client relationships while collaborating effectively with attorneys across experience levels.

We are looking for an attorney who combines litigation and technical sophistication with a practical, team-oriented approach. Successful Members serve as trusted advisors to clients, develop and execute thoughtful litigation strategies, mentor and develop junior attorneys, and contribute to the strength and growth of the practice.

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

• Lead sophisticated intellectual property litigation matters, with a significant focus on patent disputes, including design patent litigation, as well as trademark and trade secret matters, and develop overall case strategy from pleadings through resolution
• Evaluate case strengths, weaknesses, and risks and provide practical, business-focused advice to clients regarding strategy, significant developments, and potential outcomes.
• Lead significant litigation activities, including depositions, hearings, mediations, discovery strategy, dispositive motion practice, and pretrial proceedings.
• Develop substantive legal and technical arguments and oversee the preparation of briefs, motions, pleadings, discovery materials, and other advocacy work.
• Work closely with technical, damages, and other experts to develop case theories, expert strategy, and damages positions. Manage client relationships and the overall progression of matters, including communication regarding strategy, budgets, deadlines, and key developments.
• Lead and coordinate case teams, including staffing, delegation, deadlines, and deliverables, while mentoring associates and providing opportunities for increasing responsibility.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the IP Litigation Practice Group and other Miller Johnson practices to provide comprehensive legal solutions.
• Strengthen existing client relationships, identify opportunities to expand client relationships, cultivate new business, and contribute to the continued growth of the IP Litigation Practice Group and Chicago office.
• Travel periodically as needed for depositions, hearings, client meetings, and other case-related activities.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will bring sophisticated litigation experience, strong judgment, exceptional client service, and a collaborative approach to practice and team leadership.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar or eligibility to waive into Illinois.
• Significant experience handling complex intellectual property litigation, including meaningful design patent litigation experience.
• A technical or STEM background is preferred, particularly in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with trademark, trade secret, or other intellectual property disputes is a plus.
• An existing book of business or portable client relationships is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to contribute to business development, expand client relationships, and support the continued growth of the practice.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex matters, develop case strategy, and manage key phases of litigation, including discovery, depositions, experts, and motion practice.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and strengthen client relationships.
• Excellent legal writing, analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, teams, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Experience mentoring associates and collaborating across teams.

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.

Compensation & Benefits

For this position, the anticipated base salary range is $330,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Members may also be eligible for bonus compensation in accordance with the Firm’s applicable bonus programs.

• 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
• additional employee wellness and pre-tax benefit programs

Miller Johnson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.