Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate | Chicago, IL | 2–4 Years' Experience | $235,000–$310[...]

Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate | Chicago, IL | 2–4 Years' Experience | $235,000–$310,000 Base + Benefits & Bonuses | Am Law 50

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 50 global full-service law firm seeking a Life Sciences Patent Litigation Associate to join its Chicago, IL office.

This opportunity offers complex pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life-sciences patent disputes for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other research-driven companies within a nationally recognised life-sciences patent litigation practice. The successful attorney will work closely with partners and senior lawyers, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to high-value work, important clients and cross-practice collaboration.

Company Highlights

• Am Law 50 global platform recognised for technology, energy and infrastructure, finance and complex litigation
• International client base spanning high-growth companies, market leaders, investors and financial institutions
• Recognised strength in life-sciences patent litigation and complementary corporate, regulatory or litigation disciplines
• Established teams advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other research-driven companies on complex, high-value matters
• Top-tier training through practice academies, retreats, technical programmes and shadowing opportunities
• Structured mentoring, performance feedback and individual career coaching
• Strong investment in innovation, legal technology and efficient client delivery
• Meaningful pro bono opportunities supported across practices and offices
• Collegial environment designed to make demanding work professionally and personally rewarding

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a well-established life-sciences patent litigation practice offering:

• High-stakes pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent disputes
• Exposure to ANDA, Hatch-Waxman and broader life-sciences litigation
• Meaningful ownership of substantive litigation workstreams
• Direct access to experienced patent trial lawyers and scientific experts
• Work involving commercially important products and portfolios
• Strong scientific, legal and commercial development
• A credible route to long-term advancement and trial responsibility

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead key components of life-sciences patent litigation matters, including:

• Draft pleadings, motions and substantive briefs
• Analyse patents, scientific records and technical evidence
• Manage discovery and document-production workstreams
• Support claim-construction and infringement analysis
• Work with scientific, technical and damages experts
• Prepare fact and expert witnesses
• Assist with depositions, hearings and trial preparation
• Contribute to case strategy and settlement analysis
• Support appellate or PTAB matters where relevant

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking a life sciences patent litigation associate with:

• Approximately 2–4 years of patent litigation or complex life-sciences litigation experience
• Experience with pharmaceutical, biotechnology or ANDA-related disputes
• Strong legal research, writing and analytical skills
• Ability to understand and communicate complex scientific issues
• Strong discovery and case-management fundamentals
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Strong academic credentials and sophisticated law-firm experience
• Admission to the Illinois Bar, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly

An advanced degree or technical background in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a related life-sciences field is strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $235,000–$310,000, depending on class year, experience, location, qualifications and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility, comprehensive health and insurance benefits, retirement support, paid time off, professional-development resources, wellbeing programmes and pro bono opportunities.