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Associate Ip Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior IP Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

$365K - $445K/yr

Our client is looking to add a Associate to their team within five (5) to eight (8) years of licensing and commercial partnering transactions experience for their growing life sciences technology ...

Senior IP Attorney

Seattle, WA · On-site

$365K - $445K/yr

Our client is looking to add a Associate to their team within five (5) to eight (8) years of licensing and commercial partnering transactions experience for their growing life sciences technology ...

... property lawyer at a respected in-house legal department or an associate / junior partner of a ... Strong strategic IP protection planning and development skills. * Strong patent application ...

... property lawyer at a respected in-house legal department or an associate / junior partner of a ... Strong strategic IP protection planning and development skills. * Strong patent application ...

The position will report to the Senior Associate General Counsel, and work with the other lawyers in the Legal Department. What you'll do: * As our IP Paralegal, you will be primarily responsible for ...

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Associate Ip Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do associate ip attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate ip attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Associate IP Attorneys when balancing client expectations and legal requirements?

Associate IP Attorneys often encounter the challenge of managing client expectations, particularly regarding timelines for patent or trademark approvals and the scope of intellectual property protection. Clients may expect quick results or broad coverage, but legal procedures can be lengthy and subject to strict statutory requirements. Effective communication and setting realistic expectations are essential, as is staying updated with changing IP laws to provide accurate advice. Additionally, associates must carefully balance advocacy for clients with the ethical obligations and limitations imposed by IP regulations.

What are Associate IP Attorneys?

Associate IP Attorneys are junior-level lawyers who specialize in intellectual property law. They typically work under the supervision of more senior attorneys and handle tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting and reviewing patent or trademark applications, assisting in litigation, and advising clients on IP matters. These attorneys play a key role in protecting clients' inventions, brands, and creative works while gaining experience to advance in their legal careers.

What is the difference between Associate Ip Attorney vs Patent Agent?

AspectAssociate Ip AttorneyPatent Agent
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar License, often patent law certificationTechnical degree (e.g., Engineering, Science), USPTO registration
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesPatent law firms, corporate R&D departments, patent offices
Industry UsageLegal representation, patent prosecution, IP litigationPatent application drafting, prosecution, patentability assessments
Common Search/ComparisonAssociate Ip Attorney vs Patent Agent

While both roles involve patent law, an Associate Ip Attorney typically holds a JD and a law license, enabling legal representation and litigation. A Patent Agent, however, is registered with the USPTO and specializes in patent prosecution without a law license. Both work closely in patent-related tasks but differ in credentials and scope of practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate IP Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate IP Attorney, you need a law degree, bar admission, and specialized knowledge in intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Familiarity with legal research databases, patent/trademark office filing systems, and case management software is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and negotiation skills set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate legal representation, successful protection of clients’ intellectual property, and effective navigation of complex legal and regulatory environments.
What cities are hiring for Associate Ip Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Associate Ip Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ip Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Ip Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Ip Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Ip Attorney jobs include:
Lateral Associate, IP and Patent Litigation - 3rd to 5th Year

Lateral Associate, IP and Patent Litigation - 3rd to 5th Year

Sterne Kessler Goldstein & Fox

Washington, DC • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Location:

  • Washington, D.C. (hybrid)

Application requirements

Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm, we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. To submit a complete application, please ensure the following documents are included:

  • Resume
  • Recent writing sample
  • All transcripts for all degrees (unofficial accepted)

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Role location:

  • This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid basis, with regular in-office days. You have flexibility to pick which days you work in the office.

About the Trial & Appellate Group:

As an Associate in the Trial & Appellate Group (TAG), you will have the opportunity to practice highstakes intellectual property litigation in a truly integrated trialtoappeal environment. TAG is known for handling complex patent disputes across district courts, the ITC, PTAB, and the Federal Circuit, giving associates meaningful exposure to every phase of a case and a sophisticated understanding of how trial strategy and appellate advocacy intersect. With lean teams, handson responsibility, and close collaboration with nationally recognized IP litigators, associates are trusted early with substantive work, client interaction, and strategic decisionmaking—making it an ideal platform for lawyers who want to accelerate their development while working at the cutting edge of IP law.

Requirements:

  • JD and actively licensed as an attorney in a U.S. jurisdiction. Must be eligible to waive into the D.C. Bar or be willing and eligible to sit for the D.C. bar exam.
  • 3-5 years practicing patent and/or IP litigation at another law firm.
  • Hybrid work model preferred: We prefer that new hires maintain a regular in-office presence (flexible on number of times per week), but will consider remote work arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
  • A foundation in IP and patent law.
  • Stellar academic credentials.

Preferred skills:

  • Technical background or experience working with complex technologies (e.g., EE, CS, life sciences)
  • Judicial clerkship experience
  • USPTO registration number desirable but not required

Working with Us

Compensation philosophy: The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.

Salary range:

  • The good faith salary range for this role is $260,000 to $365,000 at a 2000 hour billable goal.

Billable hours: The firm has a flexible hours program under which an Associate can request a lower billable hour goal with a commensurate salary. Under the flexible hours program, you may select a billable hour goal in the range of 1400 to 2000 hours. Associates at our firm primarily doing patent or trademark prosecution tend to select hour goals less than 2000 hours, while attorneys primarily doing litigation and/or inter partes work are more likely to select hour goals of 2000 hours.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit
  • On-site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office
    • Staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, offers firm employees and other qualified family members with a range of medical services
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care
  • Wellness program
  • Firm-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
  • Firm-paid short and long term disability insurance
  • Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long term disability insurance*, long term care insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Transportation commuter benefit program
  • Back-up childcare and family support
  • Pet insurance discount
  • Employee Assistance Program services

#LI-Hybrid