Senior Legal Counsel - IP Litigation

Apple; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple seeks an IP litigator in Cupertino, CA to support its legal team. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience in IP litigation outside patent matters, such as trade secret and copyright issues. Responsibilities include formulating litigation strategies, providing counsel to internal clients, and managing risks associated with IP cases. A JD or equivalent along with admission to a US state bar is required. Excellent communication, analytical, and negotiation skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of major law firm and in-house IP litigation experience outside of patent litigation.
• Admission to at least one US state bar.
• Strong technology interest and aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Engage in formulating and driving strategy for IP litigation.
• Provide counsel to internal clients on IP litigation matters.
• Manage risks and exposures related to IP cases.

Skills

IP litigation experience

Excellent communication skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Education

JD or equivalent

Job description

Job Overview

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly! Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Do you love taking on big challenges without precedent? Do you possess a deep knowledge of the legal field and a passion for innovation? As a part of our Legal group, you'll help uphold Apple's high ethical and corporate standards, as well as defend our intellectual property. You'll help provide legal support for all our products and businesses across the globe. Working for a company that invents entire categories and industries means you'll be challenged to creatively apply your deep legal expertise to rare and often unexplored aspects of the law. Together with your team, you'll provide the critical support needed worldwide for all Apple products and businesses.

We are looking for an IP litigator (focusing outside of patent litigation) with excellent judgment and communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to handle the day-to-day progress of IP cases. You will be a self-starter who can quickly learn Apple's IP litigation docket and practices, identify, and manage risks and exposures, and find strategic opportunities for resolution.

As a member of Apple's IP litigation team, you will not be merely monitoring outside counsel. Rather, you will be directly engaged in formulating and driving strategy as well as providing counsel to internal clients on IP litigation matters and issues. The position requires a high degree of self-sufficiency, independent judgment, and a trial-focused approach. You will operate as part of a supportive and fun team of lawyers, legal specialists and support staff who work closely together to protect Apple's interests.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of major law firm and in‑house IP litigation experience outside of patent litigation, such as trade secret, copyright, trademark, rights of publicity, etc.
• JD or equivalent and admission to at least one US state bar.
• Strong technology interest and aptitude.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organization, and negotiation skills are essential.
• Preference given to candidates who have broad non‑patent IP litigation experience, especially in high‑tech trade secret or AI copyright matters.
• Trial experience strongly preferred.