Principal Legal Counsel – IP Litigation

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming great products, services, and customer experiences very quickly! Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Do you love taking on big challenges without precedent? Do you possess a deep knowledge of the legal field and a passion for innovation? As a senior member of our Legal group, you’ll help uphold Apple’s high ethical and corporate standards, as well as defend our intellectual property. You’ll help provide strategic legal advice for all our products and businesses across the globe. Working for a company that invents entire categories and industries means you’ll be challenged to creatively apply your deep legal expertise to rare and often unexplored aspects of the law. Together with your team, you’ll provide the critical leadership and support needed worldwide for all Apple products and businesses. We are looking for a highly experienced patent litigator with exceptional judgment, executive-level communication skills, and a demonstrated track record of leading complex, high-stakes patent cases. You will be a self-starter who can quickly master Apple's patent litigation docket and practices, proactively identify and manage risks and exposures, and drive sophisticated strategies for trial or favorable resolution. As a senior member of Apple's IP litigation team, you will not be merely monitoring outside counsel. Rather, you will be directly responsible for driving litigation strategy, managing complex, high-stakes patent disputes, and providing strategic counsel to senior executives and internal business partners. The position requires a high degree of self-sufficiency, independent judgment, a proven trial-focused approach, and the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional legal challenges. You will operate as part of a supportive and fun team of lawyers, legal specialists, and support staff who work closely together to protect Apple's interests, and you will provide mentorship and leadership within the group. Minimum Qualifications: 12 years of major law firm experience and in-house patent litigation experience, with a proven track record of leading strategy in complex patent cases. Extensive trial experience in high-stakes patent litigation. JD or equivalent and admission to at least one US state bar. Preferred Qualifications: Deep expertise in patent litigation strategy, including experience with standard essential patent (SEP) litigation, FRAND disputes, and proceedings before the ITC. Experience managing global or multi-jurisdictional patent disputes and coordinating international legal strategies. Strong technology interest and aptitude, with the ability to quickly grasp complex technical concepts. Exceptional communication, analytical, organization, and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to advise senior business leadership. Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing large teams of outside counsel, and mentoring more junior attorneys or legal professionals.