Description:

DeFrancescoLaw is a boutique intellectual property firm seeking an Associate Attorney with practical trademark prosecution experience who is ready to take ownership of matters, work directly with clients, and handle substantive legal work with limited supervision.

This is not an entry-level training position. We are looking for someone who can independently handle routine matters while having an experienced attorney available for strategy, guidance, and more complex issues.

What You'll Do:

Advise clients on trademark filings, Office Actions, maintenance, strategy, and related questions
Conduct preliminary trademark searches and evaluate filing options
Prepare and respond to USPTO Office Actions
Prepare trademark applications and post-registration filings
Draft litigation documents, including complaints, motions, declarations, proofs of service, and default judgment papers
Research legal issues and recommend practical next steps
Review docket developments and help move matters forward

What We're Looking For:

J.D. and admission to at least one U.S. state bar
2–4 years of relevant experience
Hands-on experience with USPTO trademark prosecution
Strong legal research and drafting skills
Federal litigation experience preferred, or comparable experience drafting substantive legal pleadings and motions
TTAB experience, including oppositions, cancellation proceedings and appeals
Experience with copyright matters and/or exposure to patent prosecution or patent portfolio work is a plus
Comfortable communicating directly with clients
Able to work independently and take ownership of assignments
Proficient in using AI-assisted legal tools efficiently and responsibly
Strong attention to detail, highly responsive, and takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work

Why Join Us?
This is a substantive role in a small IP practice - not a position where your work disappears through layers of review. You'll have direct client contact, exposure to both prosecution and litigation, and the opportunity to take meaningful responsibility for matters while still having senior attorney support when you need it.

Compensation: $85,000-$110,000, depending on experience and qualifications, with significant opportunity for compensation growth as the attorney takes ownership of matters and assumes a larger role in the practice. We are open to flexible work arrangements for the right candidate.

If you're an IP attorney who enjoys solving problems, working directly with clients, and taking matters from question to recommendation to finished work product, we'd like to hear from you.