IP Litigation Associate

Buchanan; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 225,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring and career development

Direct access to trial lawyers

Collaborative, high-performing culture

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join its Houston office, handling patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright disputes across diverse industries. You will work with partners, clients and technical experts from day one, taking on meaningful responsibility as part of a high-caliber team.

The role offers hands-on experience in all stages of litigation, excellent mentoring, and clear opportunities for long-term progression within a collaborative, high-performing environment.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of IP litigation experience.
• Experience handling patent, trademark, copyright or trade secret litigation.
• Excellent legal research, drafting and advocacy skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Collaborative approach and willingness to take ownership of substantive work.
• Technical or scientific qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Patent litigation across diverse industries.
• Trade secret disputes and IP enforcement.
• Trademark and copyright litigation.
• Pre-trial strategy and case preparation.
• Discovery, depositions and motion practice.
• Trial preparation and courtroom support.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting

Advocacy

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Ownership

Client communication

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Bar admission (US)

Job description

A leading U.S. litigation firm is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join its Houston team.

This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded litigation practice representing clients in complex intellectual property disputes across a broad range of industries. The team advises on sophisticated, high-value matters involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks and copyright, offering associates early responsibility and significant client exposure.

Working alongside experienced litigators, you'll gain hands-on experience from day one, taking an active role throughout every stage of the litigation process.

The Role

• Patent litigation
• Trade secret disputes
• Trademark and copyright litigation
• Technology and commercial disputes
• Pre-trial strategy and case preparation
• Discovery, depositions and motion practice
• Trial preparation and courtroom support

You'll work directly with partners, clients, expert witnesses and technical specialists, taking on meaningful responsibility from the outset and playing an active role in sophisticated, high-value disputes.

About You

The firm is seeking an associate with 1-3 years' experience in intellectual property litigation.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience handling patent, trademark, copyright or trade secret litigation at a leading law firm or specialist litigation practice
• Excellent legal research, drafting and advocacy skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding academic credentials
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to take ownership of substantive work
• A genuine interest in complex intellectual property disputes

Technical or scientific qualifications are advantageous but not essential.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of $225k-$280k
• Early responsibility and meaningful litigation experience
• Direct access to experienced trial lawyers
• Exposure to sophisticated intellectual property disputes
• Excellent mentoring and career development
• A collaborative, high-performing culture with genuine opportunities for long-term progression