Senior Intellectual Property Litigation Associate

Stoel Rives LLP is seeking an intellectual property litigation associate with five to seven years of experience to join its Technology & Intellectual Property Practice Group in the Portland or Seattle office.

Our Technology & Intellectual Property Team

Stoel Rives’ Technology & Intellectual Property practice is a multidisciplinary group that includes talented professionals with experience in business, regulatory law, and litigation related to intellectual property rights (patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets). Our patent litigation team mobilizes technical and scientific knowledge, business understanding and courtroom experience. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of patent litigations in courts throughout the United States, including in those jurisdictions known for speedy depositions and expedited paths to trial.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of complex IP litigation matters in U.S. federal courts, PTAB proceedings, and, as needed, ITC Section 337 investigations.

• Draft and argue motions, including motions to dismiss, discovery motions, claim construction (Markman), Daubert, and summary judgment.

• Take and defend depositions of inventors, experts, and corporate witnesses; prepare witnesses for testimony.

• Oversee fact and expert discovery, including ESI protocols, protective orders, privilege issues, and coordination with vendors.

• Develop infringement and invalidity strategies; prepare and refine contentions and work closely with technical and damages experts.

• Prepare for trial, including exhibit lists, witness outlines, motions in limine, jury instructions, and direct/cross examinations; support trial teams in court.

• Manage claim construction strategy, including identification of key terms, extrinsic evidence, and briefing.

• Coordinate damages analyses, surveys, and apportionment theories with experts; assist in settlement evaluation and negotiation.

• Provide proactive client counseling on risk, case budgets, and litigation strategy; communicate regularly with in-house stakeholders.

• Supervise and mentor junior associates and paralegals; delegate work effectively and provide constructive feedback.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

• 5–7 years of intellectual property litigation experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or leading IP boutique.

• Substantial experience across all phases of intellectual property litigation cases: pleadings, discovery, depositions, expert discovery, claim construction, dispositive motions, and trial preparation; trial experience preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to argue motions and to first- or second-chair depositions.

• Technical background (e.g., electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, physics, biology, chemistry) preferred; USPTO registration a plus.

• Experience with PTAB IPRs and/or ITC Section 337 investigations a strong plus.

• Exceptional legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills; meticulous attention to detail and strategic judgment.

• Proficiency with FRCP, FRE, patent local rules, and e-discovery tools/practices.

• Proven team leadership, project management, and budgeting skills; ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.

• Evident engagement in business development and civic and professional organizations.

• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar and eligibility for admission where the position is based.

Hours Expectations & Compensation

The hours expectation for this position is 1,800 billable hours and an “all-in” hours expectation of 2,050 or 2,150, depending on seniority. The billable hours expectation includes up to 50 pro bono hours. All-in hours include the billable hours expectation as well as any additional billable hours, additional pro bono hours, and investment hours. Investment activities include business development, professional development, mentoring and coaching, recruiting, contributing to the firm’s workplace culture, and civic and community activities

To be eligible for a bonus, associates must reach or exceed 1,850 billable hours (inclusive of up to 50 pro bono hours) and meet or exceed the all-in hours expectation.

The base compensation range for this position is $245,000 - $310,000, inclusive of salaries in all listed markets. Base compensation presented to an individual candidate may vary based on skills, overall experience, and market location.

Developing & Retaining Talent

Stoel Rives places a high priority on attracting, developing, and retaining lawyers and business professionals.

We offer a variety of training programs and retreats addressing practice area topics and skills at all levels, as well as legal and professional skills generally. We have a coaching and mentoring program, and our new lawyer integration program provides new lawyers with the resources and information necessary to succeed after they join the firm. Finally, we have a core competency model which is a roadmap of the practical skills, abilities, and client service techniques needed for long-term success at the firm.

We value lawyers and business professionals who bring to the firm different backgrounds and experiences. Our people bring a variety of educational backgrounds, unique career experiences, bodies of knowledge, technical abilities, and community involvement. This variety makes us better at advising and serving our clients and it ensures a positive and supportive workplace for everyone.

We are proud participants in the ABA Well-Being Pledge, strongly believing that the well-being of our people is paramount to the success of the firm.

To learn more about the benefits of working as an attorney at Stoel Rives, click here.