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Entry Level Ip Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

File Clerk

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred ... IP. Our team members have been recognized in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America ...

File Clerk

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred ... IP. Our team members have been recognized in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America ...

Legal Assistant

Foster City, CA · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

This is an entry level position within the Intellectual Property prosecution team at Gilead ... The prosecution team consist of 19 Attorneys, and 10 Paralegals. This team is made up of high ...

Legal Assistant

Foster City, CA

$88K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

This is an entry level position within the Intellectual Property prosecution team at Gilead ... The prosecution team consist of 19 Attorneys, and 10 Paralegals. This team is made up of high ...

Entry Level Ip Attorney information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$196.7K

$285.2K

How much do entry level ip attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ip attorney in California is $196,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,400.00 and $252,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level IP attorney?

An Entry Level IP Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in intellectual property (IP) law, typically assisting with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They often work under the supervision of senior attorneys to conduct legal research, draft filings, review contracts, and help clients protect their intellectual assets. This role is common in law firms, corporations, or government agencies, and requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree along with bar admission. Some positions may also require a technical background in fields like engineering or biotechnology for patent-related work.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level IP attorney in their first year?

As an Entry Level IP Attorney, your primary responsibilities during your initial year often include drafting and filing patent or trademark applications, conducting prior art and trademark searches, and performing legal research related to intellectual property issues. You'll likely assist senior attorneys with litigation prep, respond to office actions from the USPTO, and communicate directly with clients regarding ongoing matters. Collaboration is key; you'll work closely with inventors, clients, and colleagues in both legal and technical roles to ensure accurate document preparation and effective legal protection. These tasks allow you to develop crucial skills and gain firsthand experience that lays the foundation for a successful IP law career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level IP attorney position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level IP Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and a solid understanding of intellectual property law including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. Familiarity with legal research databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and, for patent law, registration with the USPTO may be required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills will distinguish you in this position. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing client needs, preparing legal documents, and contributing to effective legal strategies in a highly specialized field.

How to get experience in entry level IP attorney?

Entry level IP attorneys typically gain experience through internships, clerkships, or summer associate programs focused on intellectual property law. Developing skills in patent and trademark law, as well as familiarity with legal research tools like LexisNexis or Westlaw, can enhance prospects. Pursuing a relevant law degree and passing the patent bar exam can also improve job readiness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ip Attorney jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ip Attorney jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in California?

For Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Ip Attorney jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Ip Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ip Attorney job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $196,696 per year, or $94.6 per hour.

$18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

This non-exempt employee is responsible for maintenance of physical case files. The assignments are administrative and clerical in nature and are non-billable.
Essential Duties
  • Maintains physical case files;
  • Retrieves requested materials from physical case files;
  • Bates labeling.

Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned or needed.
Reporting Relationship
The File Clerk reports directly to the Office Administrator or appropriate HR representative.
Qualifications
Knowledge/Experience
The File Clerk must have a working knowledge of computers, legal software, legal documents, and physical files. The File Clerk is an entry level position. One to two years of law firm experience preferred.
Skills
The File Clerk must have excellent organizational skills; strong attention to detail; ability to work under pressure; ability to follow instructions; strong typing skills; and a willingness to learn software packages support by the Firm. Must have good verbal communication skills.
Education
High School Diploma or equivalent
Physical Demands
Must be able to move around the office up to 40% of the time to file, make copies, fax, etc. Remains stationary at least 60% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Often required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 30 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.
Working Conditions
Office environment with occasional overtime.
Salary Range:
The expected salary range for this position is $18.00-$18.00. Please note that the final offer amount may vary based on experience and skillset of the selected candidate.
At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.
Haynes and Boone's Orange County office serves the needs of California's premier technology industries and capitalizes on the West Coast's global access. We have vibrant practices in intellectual property (IP), in-bound Asian work, venture-funded corporate matters, and big-ticket litigation such as patent, securities, insurance coverage, and class action labor and employment matters. Our thriving economic community is home to an array of businesses, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging technology ventures. Our expanded presence here heightens Haynes and Boone's coast-to-coast capabilities while giving clients the benefits of our growing geographic base. Most of our California-based lawyers have earned engineering or technical degrees in addition to law degrees, enhancing their understanding of the intricacies of IP. Our team members have been recognized in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.), Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Patent 1000 (Globe White Page Ltd), and Managing IP Magazine (Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC). We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.