Description
Senior IP Attorney: Partner Track at a Boutique IP Firm
Trademark, Brand Protection & Enforcement | Boutique IP Practice
- Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid preferred; open to strong candidates in other U.S. markets as a remote role)
- Bar Requirement: D.C. Bar required or immediate eligibility to waive into D.C.
- Experience Level: 7–12+ years of substantive trademark experience, with strong background in prosecution and enforcement
- Classification: Full-Time W-2 Employee with benefits
MISSION OF THE ROLE
To serve as a senior attorney responsible for trademark prosecution and enforcement matters, managing complex client work independently at a high standard of quality, responsiveness, and business judgment, while contributing to the firm’s growth. Law Office of Chun T. Wright’s ("CTW Law") mission is to serve as top counsel to trailblazers for leading-edge industries including artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and videogames. The right hire does not simply fill a seat. They carry that standard forward.
THE OPPORTUNITY & PARTNER TRACK
The IP practice spans trademark prosecution, enforcement, and disputes, with a client base that includes U.S. and international companies across technology, AI, software platforms, entertainment software, consumer goods, travel, outdoor recreation, and other leading-edge industries. CTW Law is known for its responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to combine legal precision with practical business judgment and advice.
For the right candidate, this is not a lateral move. It is an opportunity to take on a meaningful role within a high-quality boutique firm with a defined culture, a strong referral network, and a growing roster of innovative clients. For senior attorneys with proven business acumen and aligned values, there is a clear, structured partner track. Long-term trajectory and ownership within the firm is available to the right person, earned through performance and cultural fit.
OUTCOMES BY MILESTONE
- 30 Days: Has completed orientation to CTW Law’s files, systems, and client relationships, and is fully integrated into standard workflows.
- 60–90 Days: Is operating with limited supervision and taking real day-to-day ownership of active prosecution and brand protection matters.
- 6 Months: Is functioning with true autonomy, running their defined practice lane, and serving as the primary contact for client accounts.
- 12 Months: Has successfully integrated their client portfolio into the firm and is operating as a key contributor to the trademark practice’s overall growth.
- 24 Months: Has established a highly stable, self-sustaining practice lane and is actively positioned for the transition to equity partnership.
COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS
Must-Haves:
- Deep fluency in trademark prosecution and enforcement, including oppositions before the USPTO, cancellations, cease and desist matters, and related disputes.
- 7–12+ years of trademark and IP experience, with a strong background in both prosecution and enforcement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication that is clear, practical, and strategically sound, consistent with CTW Law’s established reputation.
- Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
- An existing portable book of business or demonstrable ability to originate and grow client relationships. A portable book in the $200,000–$500,000 range is preferred; candidates with strong growth potential will also be considered.
- High autonomy and self-direction with an ability to work collaboratively and receive constructive feedback. Comfort with clear ownership and accountability in a boutique environment.
- Professional maturity and low-ego collaboration, contributing to a high-trust, low-drama working environment.
- Tech savviness and genuine familiarity with AI tools and their application in legal practice to build a nimble, tech-forward firm.
- Interest in building within the firm, not operating in a silo. This hire is foundational to a larger, scalable team.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience with anti-counterfeiting and anti-piracy enforcement at an international or cross-border level.
- Familiarity with referral-based business development and an existing network within the trademark and broader IP community.
- Experience with copyright as part of enforcement and brand protection strategy.
- Connections to or bar eligibility in markets beyond D.C., particularly California and Texas.
Who This Role is Not For:
- You need guaranteed compensation above the posted base range. We've been explicit about what we can and cannot do, and we'd rather say so now than three months in.
- You want large-firm infrastructure. A boutique handles directly what administrative layers absorb elsewhere. Plenty of excellent lawyers prefer the layers — that's legitimate, and it isn't this job.
- You want the work without the practice. This seat contributes to the firm's growth: originating, pricing, building. If you want to do excellent legal work and nothing else, that role exists and this isn't it.
CTW LAW CORE VALUES
These values are operational, not aspirational. The right hire will recognize themselves in them:
Be a Good Steward. The firm promotes wellbeing at every level: team, client, organizational, and community. When a problem surfaces, it is addressed quickly and professionally. Solutions come with the problems.
Be Nimble. CTW Law is easy to work with, both internally and for clients and their clients downstream. The "Wright-sized" approach means agility over bureaucracy, and communication that is always digestible and direct. The firm thinks quickly, listens carefully, and offers options.
Act Courageously. Hard things are not avoided here. Difficult conversations happen promptly and live, not hidden behind email. Ownership is taken. Help is asked for when needed.
Stay Adept. Details matter. Commas matter. Polish and presentation matter. Over 90% of new business comes from repeat clients or referrals, a testament to the caliber of work and the client experience the firm consistently delivers. That is the bar.
ROLE STRUCTURE, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
This full-time W-2 position offers a guaranteed base salary of $150,000 to $200,000 annually, starting at $150,000 and increasing as your portable practice transitions to the firm. In addition to base salary, you earn an uncapped share of your collections above an agreed threshold, with a higher share on business you originate and on growth in the firm clients you take over. Total target Year 1 compensation is $150,000 to $250,000+, scaled to your portable book and origination performance. There are no billable-hour minimums for this role. Benefits include professional liability coverage, health insurance, a 401(k) with 4% employer match, bar dues and CLE support, and flexible PTO.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application email to support@ctwrightlaw.com using the exact subject line: Senior IP Attorney
In the body of your email, please include the following clear and concise responses:
1. Your current city and state
2. Are you seeking a long-term role, and are you genuinely aligned with the compensation model and opportunity described above?
3. In what jurisdictions are you licensed to practice?
4. Three reasons you believe you would be a strong fit for the Senior IP Attorney role at CTW Law.
5. Attach your resume as a PDF.
Applications that do not follow these instructions may not be reviewed. Qualified candidates will be invited into a structured hiring and evaluation process designed to ensure strong technical and cultural alignment for both the practice and the candidate.
