Mid-level Litigation Associate

BCL Legal Limited; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A Chambers-ranked intellectual property law firm is seeking a mid-level patent litigation associate to join either the Washington DC or Atlanta office. The team handles complex disputes for leading chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences clients.

You will manage fact and expert discovery, draft motions, take depositions, and work with clients and technical experts on high-stakes cases, with opportunities for early responsibility and trial exposure.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of patent litigation experience.
• Strong technical background in chemistry or related sciences.
• M.S. or Ph.D. preferred; USPTO registration advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage fact and expert discovery in complex patent litigation matters.
• Draft substantive motions, briefs, and other key case filings.
• Take and defend witness depositions; prepare witnesses for deposition and trial.
• Support trial teams through all stages of litigation, including hearing and trial preparation.
• Collaborate with technical experts to analyse complex scientific issues and technologies.

Job description

The Firm

This Chambers-ranked, market-leading intellectual property law firm that has built one of the deepest and most respected patent litigation practices in the industry, is seeking a mid-level associate to join either their DC or Atlanta office. Widely recognised for its strength in complex IP disputes, this firm represents many of the world's most innovative companies across the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and life sciences sectors. The litigation team is regularly entrusted with business-critical matters involving high-value patent portfolios, market-defining technologies, and industry-shaping products. What sets the platform apart is its combination of legal excellence and technical sophistication. Lawyers work alongside colleagues with advanced scientific backgrounds, allowing teams to quickly master complex technologies and develop compelling litigation strategies. The firm's collaborative culture, specialist focus, and reputation for excellence have made it a destination practice for lawyers looking to build long-term careers in sophisticated patent litigation.

What the role looks like day-to-day

• Managing fact and expert discovery in complex patent litigation matters


• Drafting substantive motions, briefs, and other key case filings


• Taking and defending witness depositions


• Preparing fact and expert witnesses for deposition and trial testimony


• Supporting trial teams through all stages of litigation, including hearing and trial preparation


• Developing case strategy and working alongside partners on key litigation decisions


• Collaborating with technical experts to analyse complex scientific issues and technologies


• Working directly with clients on high-stakes disputes involving chemical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences innovations


• Conducting legal and technical research relating to patents, scientific developments, and industry trends


• Coordinating with cross-functional teams to build persuasive litigation and trial strategies


• Contributing to Federal Circuit appeals and other post-trial proceedings where applicable


• Taking on significant responsibility and client exposure from an early stage while working as part of a collaborative IP litigation team

What You Will Have

• 3-5 years of patent litigation experience


• Experience handling substantive aspects of complex patent disputes


• A strong technical background in chemistry, organic chemistry, small molecules, or a related scientific discipline


• Excellent written and oral advocacy skills


• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities


• Experience working directly with clients and managing significant responsibilities


• An M.S. or Ph.D. is preferred


• Experience involving small molecules, polymers, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or life sciences technologies is advantageous


• USPTO registration is advantageous but not required

Why Join?

• Work on some of the most sophisticated chemical and life sciences patent disputes in the market


• Gain significant responsibility and hands-on litigation experience from an early stage


• Collaborate with highly regarded IP litigators and technical experts


• Develop expertise at the intersection of law, science, and innovation


• Access a clear platform for professional development, mentorship, and career progression


• Join a team known for handling complex, precedent-setting patent litigation and appeals on behalf of industry-leading clients across the globe.

For associates seeking top-tier patent litigation work, meaningful courtroom exposure, and a clear path for development within an elite IP practice, this is a standout opportunity. Get in touch for a confidential discussion.