IP Patent Associate #21368 Chicago

Vanguard-IP

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Chicago, IL Until 9/21/2026 First posted July 23, 2026 Last posted July 23, 2026
Job description

REQUIREMENTS

Seeking a highly motivated level associate with a solid background in all aspects of patent law, including patent litigation, prosecution, client counseling, licensing, and portfolio management. The most successful candidates will have experience in all or most of these areas, but candidates with significant experience in one area and the willingness to learn more about and assist with other types of patent work will also be considered. Requirements include the following:

• Prior law firm experience.
• Candidates must be admitted to practice before at least one state court and the USPTO;
• Strong command of relevant rules related to federal patent litigation, PTAB proceedings and patent examination;
• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Candidates will be asked to demonstrate strong writing skills;
• Top academic credentials and strong interpersonal skills;
• An undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent client-relation skills or the propensity to develop them depending on class year, and comfort with handling multiple matters for multiple clients at once;
• Experience with other types of IP matters (trademark, copyright, trade dress, trade secret) is a plus but not a requirement.

SUMMARY

Vanguard Intellectual Partners (Vanguard-IP) specializes in the placement of IP/Patent professionals nationwide.

Our sole focus on intellectual property enables us to more deeply understand our clients’ technical needs, and our candidates’ individual talents and career interests. Our broad network of long-term client relationships gives us a competitive edge.

Our recruiters all have 10+ years of IP recruiting experience, and an exceptional record of success. We have superior knowledge of the IP job market, and offer trusted career advice for our candidates. We also have the resources and high-level contacts to get your resume noticed by the people who matter.

We look forward to speaking with you, and learning more about what you are seeking in your next opportunity.

CONFIDENTIALITY

At Vanguard-IP, we respect the confidentiality of every candidate who contacts us. Furthermore, we will always obtain expressed authorization before submitting your resume to any of our clients.

**Should you have an interest in exploring opportunities in another location, we have hundreds of openings in other markets. Please apply now and our team would be happy to review your information for this or other openings in your location of interest.

About this role

Summary

Manage patent law cases, including litigation, prosecution, and client advice.

Job title

IP Patent Associate

Experience level

level associate

Industry

law

Location requirements

Chicago, IL; remote not specified.

Salary

Not specified

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

patent lawfederal patent litigationUSPTOresearchwritingoral advocacyclient relations

Preferred skills

trademarkcopyrighttrade secret

Specializations

patent lawlitigationprosecutionclient counselinglicensing
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Chicago, IL, USA

On-site City