Intellectual Property Litigation Mid-Level to Senior Associate

the Opportunity; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 220,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Health Savings Account with Firm 

Life and disability insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan with/·+

Job summary

Miller Johnson in Chicago seeks a mid-level to senior Intellectual Property Litigation Associate with 4–6 years of experience to join our growing IP Litigation Practice Group. This position offers an opportunity to take on significant responsibility for sophisticated intellectual property disputes and play an active role in case strategy, client service, and the day-to-day management of complex matters.

The ideal candidate has substantial litigation experience, can independently manage

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Illinois State Bar admission or eligibility to waive into Illinois.
• 4–6 years of substantive litigation experience involving complex IP disputes; patent litigation preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage significant components of complex litigation.

Responsibilities

• Develop legal and technical arguments and draft motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation materials.
• Lead discovery strategy, including written discovery, document productions, disputes, and related motions.
• Prepare for and take or defend depositions, including outlining, witness prep, and supporting materials.
• Evaluate claim strengths/weaknesses, risks, and strategic options.
• Independently manage substantial case workstreams, deadlines, and staffing with the case team.
• Apply patent/IP law to case strategy, legal analysis, and written advocacy.
• Collaborate with technical and damages experts to shape expert strategy and materials.
• Communicate with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders.
• Anticipate case needs, escalate significant issues as needed, and provide junior guidance.
• Collaborate across practice to develop thoughtful litigation strategies.
• Travel periodically for depositions, hearings, and client meetings.

Skills

Strong legal writing

Analytical thinking

Advocacy

Problem-solving

Project management

Client service

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

About the Opportunity

Miller Johnson is seeking a mid-level to senior-level Intellectual Property Litigation Associate with 4–6 years of experience to join our growing IP Litigation Practice Group. This position offers an opportunity to take on significant responsibility for sophisticated intellectual property disputes and play an active role in case strategy, client service, and the day-to-day management of complex matters.

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. The ideal candidate brings substantial litigation experience and is prepared to independently manage significant aspects of cases while working closely with attorneys, clients, and experts.

We are looking for an associate who combines strong litigation skills and sound judgment with intellectual curiosity, humility, responsiveness, and a collaborative approach. Successful associates take ownership of their work, anticipate issues, communicate proactively, and contribute thoughtfully to case strategy and client service.

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 a mid-level to senior associate in our IP Litigation Practice Group, you will:
  Develop legal and technical arguments and draft substantive motions, briefs, pleadings, and other litigation materials with limited supervision.
• Lead significant aspects of discovery, including discovery strategy, written discovery, document productions, discovery disputes, and related motion practice.
• Prepare for and take or defend depositions, including developing outlines, preparing witnesses, and coordinating supporting materials.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims and defenses, identify litigation risks, and recommend strategic options and courses of action.
• Independently manage substantial case workstreams, including coordinating deadlines, staffing needs, deliverables, and other members of the case team.
• Apply substantive knowledge of patent and other intellectual property law to case strategy, legal analysis, and written advocacy.
• Work directly with technical and damages experts to help shape expert strategy, technical theories, and supporting case materials.
• Communicate directly with clients, experts, opposing counsel, and other stakeholders regarding substantive case matters.
• Anticipate case needs, exercise sound judgment, and appropriately escal*ate significant legal, strategic, or client issues.
• Provide guidance and support to junior associates on research, discovery, drafting, and other case responsibilities.
• Collaborate with attorneys across the practice to develop thoughtful, practical litigation strategies.
• Travel periodically as needed for depositions, hearings, client meetings, and other case-related activities.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will bring substantial litigation experience, strong judgment, substantive ownership, and an interest in continuing to develop a sophisticated intellectual property litigation practice.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• A technical or STEM background is preferred, particularly in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline.
• Admission to the Illinois State Bar or eligibility to waive into Illinois.
• 4–6 years of substantive litigation experience involving complex commercial or intellectual property disputes; intellectual property litigation experience is strongly preferred, particularly patent litigation, with trademark or trade secret experience also valued.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage significant components of complex litigation matters.
• Experience drafting substantive motions and briefs, managing discovery, and preparing for and taking or defending depositions.
• Experience evaluating case strategy, litigation risks, and potential approaches to resolving complex legal and factual issues.
• Strong legal writing, analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to independently manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Excellent client service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative, curious, responsive, 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.

Compensation & Benefits

For this position, the anticipated base salary range is $220,000–$300,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Associates 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