Job Description

Intellectual Property Associate

Location: Hybrid (3 days onsite) – Chicago, IL or San Francisco, CA
Compensation: $225,000 – $310,000 base salary
Additional Compensation: Full benefits package + performance bonus
Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. — no visa sponsorship

The Opportunity

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner on behalf of a highly respected law firm seeking a top-tier Intellectual Property Associate with 2–5 years of substantive experience in both IP prosecution and IP litigation

This role is intentionally selective and best suited for attorneys who have developed a strong technical and strategic foundation in intellectual property matters within a demanding, high-performance environment. The practice values depth of experience, intellectual rigor, and sound judgment over volume or résumé padding.

This position offers meaningful responsibility, exposure to sophisticated matters, and the opportunity to contribute to complex IP strategies for high-profile clients.

Key Responsibilities

Candidates must demonstrate proven experience performing the following functions. These responsibilities are central to interview consideration:

• Handle intellectual property prosecution matters, including drafting, filing, and managing patent and/or trademark applications

• Actively support and participate in intellectual property litigation, including motion practice, discovery, claim analysis, and case strategy development

• Conduct detailed legal and technical research related to IP rights, enforcement, and risk assessment

• Draft and review pleadings, briefs, opinions, and correspondence with precision and clarity

• Analyze complex legal and factual issues and provide practical, business-oriented recommendations

• Collaborate with senior attorneys and clients on litigation strategy and prosecution portfolios

• Manage multiple matters simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and organization

Only candidates with hands-on, substantive involvement in both prosecution and litigation will be considered.

Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)

These qualifications are mandatory Candidates who do not meet all requirements will not be considered for interview.

• 2–5 years of combined intellectual property prosecution and IP litigation experience

• Experience gained at an AmLaw 120 law firm

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school

• Active bar admission in Illinois or California, in good standing

• Demonstrated analytical rigor and negotiation capability in IP-related matters

• Ability to independently manage responsibilities in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment

Preferred Qualifications (Strong Differentiators)

The following credentials will distinguish standout candidates:

• Strong academic performance from a top-tier law school

• Track record of meaningful responsibility on complex IP matters

• Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills

• Strategic mindset with the ability to balance legal precision and client objectives

Who This Role Is Best Suited For

• Attorneys with a genuine commitment to intellectual property law

• Professionals who value depth, quality, and long-term career development

• Candidates who thrive in rigorous, collaborative environments

• Associates seeking sustained growth rather than short-term lateral movement

HireNow Staffing Disclaimer

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for this role. All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements. This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and business growth. Only candidates meeting the core qualifications will be considered for interview.

https://www.careers-page.com/hirenow-staffing-inc/job/933Y7YRY