Patent, Copyright Trademark Litigation Associate $185K-$220K

Regional Michigan firm is seeking a 2nd–4th year Intellectual Property Litigation Associate to join our growing team, based in our Chicago office. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior litigator who is eager to build hands-on experience in sophisticated intellectual property matters while working in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment. This associate will play a key role in supporting a busy and diverse litigation docket, with immediate opportunities to contribute to active matters. Our work is primarily patent-focused, with additional exposure to copyright, trademark, and trade secret litigation. Associates will gain meaningful experience across all phases of litigation, working closely with partners and senior attorneys on a variety of high stakes matters.

Responsibilities:

• Support all phases of IP litigation, including:

• Written discovery and document review

• Motion practice

• Deposition preparation

• Case strategy development

• Collaborate with partners and team members across multiple cases

• Participate in client communications and case management

• Contribute to a variety of matters, with opportunities for increasing responsibility over time

Qualifications:

Required:

• 2–4 years of litigation experience (IP litigation strongly preferred)

• Prior exposure to litigation processes (motions, discovery, depositions)

• Strong interest in IP litigation (not prosecution-focused)

• Ability to manage deadlines and communicate proactively

Preferred:

• Experience with patent litigation, with additional exposure to copyright, trademark, or trade secret matters

• Technical degree or industry experience, extra preference for computer science, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering

• Federal court experience

Culture & Benefits

Our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together:

Who We Are:

• Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth

• Down to Earth – We stay humble and real

• Grit – We push through and get it done

• Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar

• Committed to Impact – We lift others up

How We Work:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners

• Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical

• Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust

We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work-life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. The expected salary range for this position is $185,000-$220,000 annually, and will be impacted by factors such as the successful candidate’s skills, experience and working location, as well as the specific position’s practice group. Irwin IP benefits included firm covered gym membership, tax free transit benefit program, iParkit garage perks, Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance options, 401k with matching, educational reimbursement plan, generous vacation leave and PTO, significant opportunities to work remotely, bonus eligible.