Protecting Ideas, Inventions, and Innovations—In and Out of Court
Nationally recognized as a leader in patent litigation, we offer science-forward, hands-on experience in a fast-paced, global practice.
Given our reputation for tech and life sciences legal work, it should be no surprise that Wilson Sonsini has a robust, nationally recognized patent litigation practice. Our team of litigators work across the United States, and they try cases in some of the most high-profile, patent-heavy jurisdictions in the world.
Patent litigation wrestles with complex science and technologies, legal concepts that can be abstract and esoteric, and a business and regulatory environment that’s often untested ground for your client’s most important innovations. It is both demanding and exhilarating.
In recent years, from among the approximately 5,000 patent cases that are filed each year, the validity of more than 1,100 patents is challenged before the Patent Trial & Appeal Board at the U.S. Patent Office. Our exceptionally dedicated practice group regularly handles these cases with stellar outcomes.
For a passionate and motivated attorney, this practice can be a dream come true.
You’ll use your technical background in your work every day, and collaborate closely with some of the most innovative people and companies in the world. You’ll get in-depth experience early on in your career, and be running cases by the time you are a senior associate. You’ll get trial experience early and often, and hone your skills working on some of the most important cases in the tech and life sciences world. Your cases can lead to precedent-setting wins that open new avenues of research and development as well as new markets and industries.
Our patent litigation practice is often hiring. Come join our team.
Meet Our Patent Litigation Team
Join Our Patent Litigation Team
Home to one of the largest life sciences practices in the U.S., Wilson Sonsini is the premier provider of legal services to thousands of innovation-focused life sciences enterprises worldwide. The firm is excited to announce its third-annual 1L Life Sciences Summit. This program brings together law students with interest and/or experience in the life sciences.
In 2025, Wilson Sonsini is excited to host our annual 1L Life Sciences Summit in San Diego, California on January 31, 2025 from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. We are welcoming applications until Friday, January 3, 2025.
We are currently seeking a second to fourth year associate for high technology patent litigation in our Palo Alto or San Francisco offices. The associate will be an integrated member of patent litigation teams that include attorneys from across the firm advising companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar corporations. As part of our patent litigation team, the associate will not only represent our diverse client base at trials but will also be involved with all phases of the relationship from getting to know the client and their technology to helping with strategic counseling and working with other practice groups to provide comprehensive legal advice. Preference for someone with knowledge of electrical engineering, computer science, physics, applied math or similar disciplines gained through education or work experience.
If you would like to submit an application to Wilson Sonsini, but do not see an active posting for the office or practice you are interested in, please apply here.
Did you know?
Year after year, Wilson Sonsini ranks among the most diverse law firms in the United States. For us, diversity is not just a commitment—it is integrated throughout our business, from recruiting to promotion.