Intellectual Property Litigation Associate Attorney (Life Sciences)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking an IP Litigation Associate to join a nationally recognized Life Sciences Intellectual Property practice in Orange County. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with pharmaceutical patent litigation experience who is looking to work on complex, high-stakes disputes involving some of the most innovative companies in the life sciences industry.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience representing innovator pharmaceutical companies in Hatch-Waxman and biologics litigation and a strong interest in developing litigation strategy, managing sophisticated matters, and advising clients on critical intellectual property issues.

Responsibilities

• Represent innovator pharmaceutical and life sciences companies in patent litigation matters
• Handle all phases of complex intellectual property disputes, including:
  • Hatch-Waxman (ANDA) litigation
  • Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) litigation
  • District court patent litigation
  • PTAB proceedings
• Draft and argue:
  • Motions
  • Briefs
  • Legal memoranda
  • Case strategy documents
• Collaborate with scientific experts and technical consultants
• Conduct discovery, deposition preparation, and witness examinations
• Assist with trial preparation and case management
• Advise clients on patent enforcement, litigation risk, and intellectual property strategy
• Work closely with clients on high-profile and business-critical disputes

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Junior to mid-level associate experience
• Significant patent litigation experience in the life sciences sector
• Experience with:
  • Hatch-Waxman (ANDA) litigation
  • BPCIA litigation
  • Pharmaceutical patent disputes
  • PTAB proceedings
  • District court patent litigation
• Experience representing innovator pharmaceutical companies
• Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent oral advocacy and communication abilities
• Ability to manage sophisticated litigation matters in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding academic credentials

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $260,000 – $390,000
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance

Why This Opportunity

• Join a nationally recognized Life Sciences IP Litigation practice
• Work on cutting-edge pharmaceutical and biologics patent disputes
• Represent leading innovator life sciences and pharmaceutical companies
• Gain meaningful responsibility and direct client exposure
• Collaborate with top litigators, scientists, and industry experts
• Strong mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth opportunities

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.