IP & General Litigation Associate — High-Stakes Trials (2–4y)

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 245,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement support

Paid time off

Family-care benefits

Professional development

Wellbeing resources

Pro bono opportunities

Job summary

Watts & Associates is seeking a General & IP Litigation Associate (2nd–4th year) to join its Chicago, IL office. The role offers exposure to high-stakes patent, copyright, trade secret and technology disputes within a lean trial-focused team.

You will draft pleadings, conduct complex research, manage discovery, and work with experts and senior litigators on major commercial matters, with direct access to first-chair trial lawyers.

Qualifications

• 2nd–4th year associate experience in general/IP litigation.
• J.D. from a leading US law school; T14 preferred.
• Excellent academics and superior written/verbal skills.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar.
• Ability to thrive in lean, fast-moving teams.

Responsibilities

• Draft pleadings, motions and substantive briefs.
• Conduct complex legal and factual research.
• Manage written discovery and document production.
• Prepare and defend depositions.
• Work with technical and damages experts.
• Support claim construction and dispositive motions.
• Prepare witnesses, exhibits and trial materials.
• Contribute to case strategy and settlement analysis.
• Assist with hearings, trials and appellate matters.

Skills

IP Litigation

Legal Research

Brief Writing

Discovery Management

Education

J.D. from a leading US law school (T14 preferred)

Illinois Bar admission

Job description

Watts & Associates is seeking a General & IP Litigation Associate (2nd–4th year) to join its Chicago, IL office. The role offers exposure to high-stakes patent, copyright, trade secret and technology disputes within a lean trial-focused team.

You will draft pleadings, conduct complex research, manage discovery, and work with experts and senior litigators on major commercial matters, with direct access to first-chair trial lawyers.