Principal Legal Counsel – IP Litigation

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.

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.

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.

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.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $267,200 and $400,900, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $253,800 and $381,200, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.