INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION ASSOCIATE

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national, full-service law firm formed through the combination of Frost Brown Todd and Gibbons, bringing together more than 800 attorneys across 25 offices. Our attorneys offer comprehensive legal solutions to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and global multinationals to startups and nonprofits. We distinguish ourselves as a dynamic, forward-moving firm with a coast-to-coast platform and a reputation for excellence across multiple practice areas and industries.

About the role

The intellectual property litigation team handles cases across the country in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret matters, involving everything from software and automobile parts to security systems, consumer goods, and agricultural products. We represent clients in federal and state court and in administrative agency proceedings, assisting in enforcing IP rights or defending against claims of infringement across multiple jurisdictions.

The associate joining our team will run matters day-to-day and work directly with clients, with partner support rather than partner supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage case strategy and day-to-day case teams in patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright matters in federal court and before administrative agencies
• Draft dispositive, discovery, and claim construction briefing; take and defend fact and expert depositions; appear in court
• Serve as a day-to-day client contact on case assessment, budgets, and strategy

Qualifications

• 5+ years of intellectual property litigation experience, with a substantial focus on patent litigation
• Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy: independently identifying and analyzing issues, preparing pleadings and substantive briefs that require minimal revision, and taking and defending depositions
• Substantive experience with fact and expert discovery, claim construction briefing, and dispositive and discovery motion practice
• Ability to understand and communicate technically complex subject matter; a technical degree or background and/or registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is preferred
• Experience with post-grant proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (IPR) and with ITC investigations is a plus
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Admission in the state of the office, or eligibility for admission without examination; the firm supports admission to the relevant federal courts
• Preferred: experience with participation in mediations, court appearances, trials, and arbitrations

Pay

The salary range for this role is $195,000–$210,000, reflecting factors including experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, relevant experience, and other job-related factors.

Associates are eligible for quarterly and annual objective bonuses, with maximum objective bonus opportunities ranging from approximately $14,000 to $22,000 per year, depending on associate level, as well as an annual subjective bonus.

Benefits

• Medical (HSA with employer contribution or PPO options)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Various parental leaves
• Sick and vacation time
• Well-being/EAP support
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

Work Environment

Attorneys benefit from a hybrid work environment (three days in-office), a “dress for your day” policy, and robust support for both professional and personal development. Associates have a clear, competency-based path to partnership, and formalized mentorship and active Affinity & Ally Networks foster connection, growth, and belonging.

Attorneys are encouraged to engage in pro bono work, community partnerships, and professional organizations, with opportunities for leadership and recognition. The firm’s commitment to diversity is embedded in its core values and strategic priorities, creating an environment where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.