Section 337 Litigation Associate at Husch Blackwell (Los Angeles, CA)

Husch Blackwell LLP, a national law firm with a strong reputation in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation, has announced an immediate opening for a Section 337 Litigation Associate in Los Angeles, California. This is not your run-of-the-mill IP litigation position. The successful candidate will step into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of litigation before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), where exclusion orders can reshape global supply chains overnight. For lawyers who thrive on strategic complexity, this role offers a rare combination of intellectual property law, international trade remedies, and trial practice.

Why Section 337 Practice at the ITC Is a Career-Defining Niche

Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 gives the ITC authority to investigate unfair practices in import trade, with the most powerful remedy being an exclusion order that bars infringing products from entering the United States. Unlike district court litigation, Section 337 investigations operate on compressed timelines, often concluding in 15 to 18 months. That makes every phase of the case—from complaint preparation to evidentiary hearings and post-hearing briefs—remarkably intense and intellectually demanding.

As Husch Blackwell puts it, the firm is looking for someone who is “keenly familiar with ITC-specific issues such as domestic industry, remedies, enforcement, and the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.”

For an associate, developing deep ITC expertise signals more than just technical proficiency. It demonstrates the ability to manage fast-moving dockets, coordinate with experts, and advise clients whose businesses can be devastated by an adverse ruling. This niche sits at the intersection of IP, trade policy, and administrative law, making it a strategic springboard for partnership or in-house leadership in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

Inside the Role: What Husch Blackwell Expects from Its Next Associate

The posting makes clear that Husch Blackwell values substantive ITC experience. The preferred candidate will have three to six years of practice and must have already participated in at least two Section 337 cases. That is a meaningful bar; it tells applicants that the firm expects you to hit the ground running, not to learn the rules on the job. The role also requires a working knowledge of IP law, though a technical degree is not necessary. This distinction is important because many ITC associates come from general litigation backgrounds and develop sector expertise through case work.

Beyond case experience, the ideal candidate should possess:

• Excellent academic credentials from a recognized law school
• An active bar license in the state where the office is located, or a commitment to obtain one quickly
• Superior interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work under pressure
• Exceptional judgment in handling multiple projects simultaneously
• The ability to clearly articulate legal strategies and courses of action

The phrase “proactive, dynamic, and entrepreneurial” appears in the description, offering a glimpse into the firm’s culture. Husch Blackwell is not looking for passive associates who wait for assignments; it wants self-starters who can identify issues, develop arguments, and lead work streams with confidence.

Where You Will Work: Offices and the Virtual Link

While the posting highlights Los Angeles, Husch Blackwell is open to considering candidates for any of its offices, including the firm’s virtual office known as The Link. This flexibility is particularly appealing in today’s legal market, where many firms are embracing hybrid and remote arrangements. Working from The Link can allow experienced ITC litigators to maintain a national practice without relocating, provided they can manage the demands of a case-heavy docket.

The associate will work primarily with attorneys in the Technology, Manufacturing & Transportation business unit. This alignment is strategic: ITC investigations often involve cutting-edge electronics, semiconductors, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing technologies. By embedding the litigation role within this industry-focused unit, Husch Blackwell ensures that associates are not siloed in a generic IP department, but instead collaborate with colleagues who understand the business realities underpinning each dispute.

Compensation, Benefits, and Career Trajectory at Husch Blackwell

Compensation is competitive. For candidates in California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, D.C., the salary range is $215,000 to $250,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to base salary, associates are eligible for an Associate Performance Bonus and a Client Development Bonus. The firm also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan.

This package places Husch Blackwell within the market range for mid-level litigation associates at large law firms. More importantly, the role offers the kind of specialized portfolio that can accelerate partnership prospects. ITC partners are relatively scarce, and a lawyer who has handled multiple Section 337 investigations becomes valuable to both law firms and corporate legal departments that account for cross-border IP enforcement.

How to Position Yourself as the Ideal Candidate

If you are considering applying, you need to present a compelling narrative about your ITC experience. Here are practical steps to strengthen your application:

• Emphasize your Section 337 matters – Detail your role in each ITC case, even if you were part of a larger team. Mention specific procedural phases you handled, such as claim construction, motions to terminate, or witness preparation.
• Show familiarity with ITC-specific vocabulary – Use terms like “domestic industry,” “exclusion order,” “cease and desist order,” “bonding,” and “Commission Rules” in your cover letter. This signals that you are not learning on the job.
• Quantify your contributions – If you helped reduce costs or streamline discovery on a case, say so. ITC investigations are known for intense discovery, and efficiency is prized.
• Tailor your resume to the role – Remove generic litigation bullet points that do not relate to the ITC. Focus on IP enforcement, international trade issues, and administrative practice.
• Prepare a short writing sample or strategy memo – Even though the job description does not explicitly request one, having a recent analysis of a Section 337 remedy or domestic industry issue can set you apart.

Given the firm’s request for a resume and transcript, it is wise to have both documents updated and ready before you access the online portal.

The Broader Market for International Trade and IP Lawyers

This opening arrives at a time when global trade tensions, technology competition, and supply chain realignments are pushing companies to rely more heavily on trade remedies. Section 337 investigations have become a powerful tool for patent owners seeking to block infringing imports, and the ITC’s caseload continues to attract high-profile disputes. As a result, lawyers with genuine ITC experience are in strong demand across law firms, in-house legal teams, and government agencies.

For law students and young lawyers following the legal market, this role illustrates how specializing in an intersectional practice area can differentiate a career. Rather than choosing between IP and trade law, this position requires mastery of both—plus the procedural agility that the ITC’s unique timeline demands.

Application Details and What Happens Next

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and transcript through Husch Blackwell’s online application process at www.huschblackwell.com. The posting does not list a specific deadline, so interested attorneys should act quickly; the role was posted on LinkedIn just days ago and the firm is reviewing applications on a rolling basis. The recruitment point of contact for search firms is Dani Poulsen, though all applicants must enter the system through the official portal.

Search firms should note that Husch Blackwell only recognizes candidate submissions that follow its placement agreement and are properly entered into the firm’s job application portal. If an agency does not have a valid agreement, it can contact Dani Poulsen for a unique ID.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a mid-level associate looking to own a specialized niche. If you meet the Section 337 case requirement and are ready to work on high-profile international trade disputes, this role at Husch Blackwell is worth serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a technical background to apply for this Section 337 Litigation Associate role?

No, a technical background is explicitly not required. Husch Blackwell is looking for lawyers who are knowledgeable of IP law and who have participated in Section 337 cases before the ITC. The focus is on litigation experience and fluency in ITC procedure, not on subject matter expertise in engineering or science.

2. What should I include in my application to stand out?

At minimum, submit a resume and law school transcript through the Husch Blackwell portal. To maximize your chances, customise your resume to highlight your Section 337 case experience, including the specific phases you worked on. A short cover letter that references ITC-specific concepts such as domestic industry, exclusion orders, and the Commission’s Rules will demonstrate that you are already fluent in this practice area.

3. Is the role open to remote candidates?

Yes, Husch Blackwell states that it will consider candidates for any of its offices, including its virtual office, The Link. This provides flexibility for candidates who may not be located in Los Angeles. However, keep in mind that you will be working with a national team, and you must have an active bar license in the state corresponding to your office or be willing to obtain one quickly.

4. What is the compensation and benefits package?

The salary range in specified states is $215,000 to $250,000, commensurate with experience. Associates are also eligible for performance and client development bonuses. The firm offers medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and a comprehensive benefit package. Detailed benefits information is typically shared during the interview process.