Intellectual Property Litigation Associate
Trade the back-office research for high-stakes federal trial work and a lead role in complex patent litigation at Charlotte’s premier IP powerhouse
Location: Charlotte, NC
Work setup: On-site (5 days in office with occasional flexibility)
Experience: 1–8 years
Salary: $225,000 – $390,000 base + bonus
About the Role
Want to work on high-stakes IP disputes where your work directly impacts litigation strategy?
A leading national law firm is expanding its Intellectual Property Litigation team in Charlotte and is seeking an associate with 1–8 years of experience in patent or trademark litigation. This role offers hands-on involvement across all stages of federal IP disputes—from motion practice and discovery to deposition and trial preparation.
You will collaborate closely with experienced partners and sophisticated clients while developing expertise in complex IP matters. The team also works alongside broader IP professionals when litigation intersects with technology, licensing, and commercialization, offering a dynamic and growth-focused environment.
What You'll Do
Support patent and trademark litigation matters in federal courts
Draft motions, briefs, and other litigation filings
Assist with claim construction research and briefing
Manage written discovery and document review processes
Prepare materials for depositions, hearings, and trial preparation
Conduct legal research and case analysis
Coordinate case tasks and track important litigation deadlines
Work closely with partners to develop litigation strategies
Take ownership of specific workstreams within active cases
Who You Are
1–8 years of post-JD experience handling intellectual property litigation matters
Proven experience working in a law firm environment on patent and/or trademark litigation
Strong legal research and writing skills, with experience drafting litigation motions, briefs, or other written advocacy
JD from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials
Eligibility for North Carolina Bar admission or the ability to obtain admission quickly
Hands-on involvement in federal court litigation processes
Experience supporting discovery management, including written discovery, document review, and deposition preparation
Exposure to claim construction work or technical patent analysis
Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced litigation environment
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills when working with teams and clients
High level of professional judgment when interacting with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel
Experience taking or defending depositions
Familiarity with PTAB/IPR proceedings or TTAB matters
Patent bar eligibility or registration
Technical background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or software-related fields
What This Role Offers
Top-tier compensation
Base salary ranges from $225K to $390K, depending on class year, with lockstep bonuses ranging from $15K to $115K+ for associates meeting the 2,000-hour billable requirement.
Complex, high-profile litigation work
Work on sophisticated patent and trademark disputes involving innovative technologies and major clients.
Early responsibility and skill development
Associates take ownership of meaningful workstreams and develop litigation skills quickly.
Strong mentorship culture
Work closely with experienced litigators who prioritize professional development.
Long-term career growth
Clear advancement opportunities within a respected national IP litigation practice.
Sperton Global
This recruitment process is managed by Sperton Global, a Norwegian-owned global recruitment firm, on behalf of our client.
- Locations
- United States
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Job location
- Charlotte, NC
Workplace & Culture at Sperton
At Sperton, we believe that great results come from great people.
Our culture is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared passion for delivering quality in everything we do.
We are a Norwegian-owned international company with colleagues across Europe, Asia, and the USA, working together seamlessly across time zones and cultures. Our teams are diverse, yet united by the same goal — to connect people and companies in meaningful ways.
We value openness, initiative, and continuous learning. Everyone at Sperton is encouraged to take ownership, share ideas, and challenge existing ways of working to make our solutions even better.
Even though we operate globally, our approach is personal. We take pride in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel heard, respected, and motivated to grow — both professionally and personally.
