Senior Associate (Intellectual Property practice)

Charles River Associates; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 152,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100 hours of annual training

Comprehensive benefits package

Wellness programs

Job summary

Charles River Associates in Houston, TX is seeking an experienced professional for their Intellectual Property practice. This role involves managing projects related to IP issues, providing expert testimony, and performing valuations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, 6 to 10 years of relevant experience, and strong analytical and communication skills. CRA promotes career growth through comprehensive skills training and offers a competitive benefits package and flexible work arrangements.

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of finance, accounting or economic work experience.
• Prior consulting or financial services experience preferred.
• CFA or CPA certification beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage assigned projects and supervise team members.
• Act as primary contact for clients and present conclusions.
• Create expert reports summarizing opinions.
• Design complex financial models to analyze data.
• Lead recruiting and professional development efforts.

Skills

Project management skills

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or related field

Advanced degree

Tools

Financial modeling software

Job description

About Charles River Associates

Since 1965, Charles River Associates has been a premier consulting firm that offers employees a place to learn from a diverse group of consultants, industry experts, and academics. At CRA you will be exposed to leading minds who use economic, financial, and business analysis to solve complex world problems for an impressive roster of clients, including 94% of the top 100 law firms, 80% of the Fortune 100 companies, and government agencies around the globe. Through a collegial environment, formal and informal training opportunities, and a broad array of professional development resources, your experience at CRA will open doors for you as you accelerate your career.

Position Overview

In our Intellectual Property practice, we bring analytical rigor and objectivity to all types of IP issues, whether in the context of high‑stakes disputes, transactions, valuations, or compliance matters. In the dispute context, CRA is hired to quantify and provide independent, expert testimony on damages in patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright infringement matters. CRA is also hired to perform valuations of IP for the purpose of mergers and acquisitions, licensing negotiations, or tax reasons, and to evaluate strategic business decisions as they relate to a client’s intellectual property holdings.

Responsibilities

• Effectively plan and manage assigned projects, including supervising and being accountable for the work of other team members;
• Act as a primary point of contact for clients and assist in the presentation of our conclusions and recommendations;
• Create and develop client deliverables including expert reports summarizing our opinions;
• Independently conceptualize and identify issues, design complex financial models to analyze economic and financial data, and oversee the creation of analyses;
• Direct project team members on project scope, deliverables, and deadlines;
• Summarize key issues identified from the review by team members of client documents, analyst reports, and third‑party financial, market and industry data;
• Provide strategic insights to leadership team regarding project scope, budget, and staffing;
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of analyses and opinions;
• Lead and participate in recruiting and professional development efforts, as well as other practice, office and corporate initiatives.

Minimal travel is required in the Intellectual Property practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or related field, advanced degree desirable;
• 6 to 10 years of finance, accounting or economic work experience with prior consulting or financial services experience preferred;
• CFA or CPA professional certification is beneficial, but not required;
• Proven project management skills;
• Curious and analytical thinkers who bring creative approaches to non‑standard problems;
• Effective written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and leadership;
• Strong teamwork and collaboration capabilities;
• Excellent time management and task prioritization skills;
• Clear and demonstrated interest in consulting through coursework, work experience, or activities;
• Demonstrated understanding of, and ability to explain, economic, financial and/or accounting concepts, and quantitative and qualitative analysis methods.

To Apply

• Resume – please include current address, personal email and telephone number;
• Cover letter – please describe your interest in CRA and how this role matches your goals.

Career Growth And Benefits

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering 100 hours of training annually through formal and informal programs, encourage you to thrive as an individual and team member. Beginning with research and analysis skill building, training continues with technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well‑being, and in‑house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client’s location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal‑opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary And Other Compensation

A good‑faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $152,500. Stating pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for additional bonus incentive compensation. CRA offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, which may include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; life and disability insurance; paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays); paid parental leave; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and commuter benefits.