IP Litigation Associate

Buchanan; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with firm match

Generous paid time off and holidays

Parental leave and family support

Job summary

Buchanan is expanding its Intellectual Property Litigation practice in San Francisco and seeks an IP Litigation Associate to handle sophisticated disputes across state and federal courts. You will support a busy practice advising technology, life sciences, and market-leading clients, engaging in all stages from strategy through trial preparation.

This role suits a candidate who thrives in a fast-paced litigation environment and enjoys technically complex disputes with meaningful responsibility.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited U.S. law school required.
• 2–6 years of intellectual property litigation experience preferred.
• Admission to practice in California or New York or eligible to waive in.
• Experience with federal court litigation and motion practice is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth legal research and factual analysis in IP disputes.
• Draft and review litigation documents including pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery materials.
• Assist in developing litigation strategy with partners and clients.
• Support depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Work on disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and related unfair competition claims.
• Coordinate with technical experts, in-house counsel, and co-counsel on teams.
• Assist senior attorneys with case management and trial preparation.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Litigation strategy

Case management

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school

Undergraduate degree in engineering, computer science, or life sciences

Job description

Overview

A leading law firm with a strong presence in San Francisco and New York is expanding its Intellectual Property Litigation practice and is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join a team that handles sophisticated, high-stakes IP disputes in state and federal courts.

About the Role

The firm is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to support a busy and growing practice advising technology companies, life sciences businesses, and innovative market leaders. The successful candidate will work across all stages of IP litigation, from early case strategy through trial preparation, gaining meaningful responsibility and exposure to complex matters.

This role is well suited to an associate who enjoys technically complex disputes and thrives in a fast-paced litigation environment.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct in-depth legal research and factual analysis relating to intellectual property disputes
• Draft and review litigation documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery materials
• Assist in developing litigation strategy in collaboration with partners and clients
• Support and participate in depositions, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trials
• Work on disputes involving patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and related unfair competition claims
• Coordinate with technical experts, in-house counsel, and co-counsel as part of litigation teams
• Assist senior attorneys with case management and trial preparation

About You

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• An undergraduate degree background in engineering, computer science, or life sciences
• Approximately 2–6 years of intellectual property litigation experience, gained at a law firm or through a comparable litigation-focused practice
• Admission to practice law in California or New York, or eligibility to waive in
• Experience with federal court litigation and motion practice preferred
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively in a high-intensity litigation environment
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented approach

Why Apply?

• Discretionary performance-based annual bonus, typically consistent with market or above-market BigLaw bonus structures
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution
• Generous paid time off and firm holidays
• Paid parental leave and family support benefits
• Bar dues, CLEs, and professional memberships covered
• Wellness, mental health, and employee assistance programs
• Flexible or hybrid working arrangements, subject to practice and client needs