The People Of: Intellectual Property
Our Role in Intellectual Property Recruitment
Our team is composed of highly experienced legal search professionals, and as a result, we understand the intellectual property recruitment landscape inside and out.
It’s one of the reasons why IP boutiques and leading law firms across the country have trusted us to identify exceptional talent for their teams.
We understand that it takes a particular type of lawyer to thrive in a fast-paced, technically demanding IP practice, and we work with a strong network of candidates who are uniquely equipped for these roles.
Intellectual Property law stands apart from other legal disciplines. It demands deep technical understanding across industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, chemistry, semiconductors, and advanced engineering, combined with commercial awareness and tactical judgment. Without a strong IP team, firms struggle to meet client expectations, manage sophisticated portfolios, and navigate the fast-paced demands of innovation driven sectors.
At TPO Search, we recognise that IP is not a single practice area but a combination of distinct, highly specialised disciplines. Our work spans:
• Patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets prosecution
• IP litigation across all major categories
• Transactional IP and technology transactions handled by commercially minded, technically skilled attorneys
The market for IP attorneys is exceptionally competitive. Firms consistently seek specialised talent and frequently hire opportunistically, creating roles for attorneys whose profiles align with the evolving needs of their practices.
Our Director of IP Legal Recruiting, Nick Sankarsingh, partners with BigLaw firms, regional firms, midsize firms, and leading IP boutiques across the United States. We continue to see a growing trend of attorneys beginning their careers in BigLaw for the broader platform and sophisticated training, then later transitioning to boutique or midsize firms that offer greater flexibility, improved work life balance whilst offering continued exposure to sophisticated work.
Our latest IP roles
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IP Litigation Associate
D.C.
Vacancy: IP Litigation Associate Experience: 2-4 years Salary: $185,000 - $280,000 Firm: AM100 Location: Washington, D.C. Requirements: 2-4 years of experience in intellectual property litigation; candidates with federal judicial clerkship experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Collaborative mindset with ... Read More
$185-280K
14/12/25
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Patent Litigation Associate
New York
Vacancy: Patent Litigation Associate, Engineering Experience: 3-4 years Salary: $260K -$310K Firm: AM100 Location: New York, NY Requirements: Advanced degree in Life Sciences or a technical discipline such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 3-4 ... Read More
$260-310K
14/12/25
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Patent Prosecution Associate/Agent
Massachusetts
Vacancy: Mid-level/Senior Patent Agent or Mid-level Patent Associate Experience: 2–5 years Salary: $150-$330K Firm: AM100 Location: Boston, MA (Remote Options Available) Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field. USPTO registration required. Familiarity ... Read More
$150-330K
10/12/25
Roles we commonly help recruit for:
- Patent Prosecution (multiple industries)
- IP Litigation
- Tech Transactions
- Trademark, Prosecution and Brand Management
- Transactional IP
Want to Know More? Get in Touch With Us
Whether you are considering a move away from BigLaw to a firm with improved workload and lifestyle balance, looking to secure the right candidate for a key intellectual property role, exploring relocation options, or simply seeking a change in culture while maintaining a strong platform, we are here to help.
Whatever your situation, get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to support you in any way we can.
Why Choose The People Of?
Attorneys explore new roles for many reasons – better balance, stronger culture, more meaningful work, or a platform that aligns with their long-term goals. We understand these motivations and guide lawyers through the market with honesty, transparency, and genuine care.
Unlike volume-driven recruiters, we take a bespoke, relationship-focused approach. We listen, advise, and match attorneys and firms thoughtfully, ensuring every move supports long-term success.
It’s why so many of the IP attorneys we place return as clients later in their careers – because they trust us to help them make the right move, not just the next move.