INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LITIGATION ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national, full-service law firm with more than 800 attorneys across 25 offices. Our Cincinnati office is seeking an intellectual property litigation associate to join our dynamic, forward-moving team. We offer comprehensive legal solutions to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and global multinationals to startups and nonprofits, with a reputation for excellence across multiple practice areas and industries.

About the role

The associate joining our intellectual property litigation team will run matters day-to-day and work directly with clients, with partner support rather than partner supervision. Our 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, administrative agency proceedings, and assist in enforcing IP rights or defending against infringement claims across multiple jurisdictions.

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

Requirements

• 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 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

Why FBT Gibbons?

At FBT Gibbons, we believe great lawyering starts with a great workplace. Our attorneys benefit from:

• A hybrid work environment (three days in-office) and a “dress for your day” policy
• Robust support for professional and personal development, including a clear, competency-based path to partnership
• Formalized mentorship and active Affinity & Ally Networks that foster connection, growth, and belonging
• Opportunities to engage in pro bono work, community partnerships, and professional organizations, with leadership and recognition opportunities
• A commitment to diversity embedded in the firm’s core values and strategic priorities, strengthening collaboration, client service, talent attraction, and innovation