Scientific Advisor - Electrical & Computer Engineering

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Do you excel at making complex science understandable—and impactful?

At the intersection of innovation and litigation, our Scientific Advisors are integral to high-stakes patent litigation matters, providing the technical insight that powers legal strategy. In this role, you’ll work side-by-side with attorneys and clients from case inception through trial, translating intricate scientific concepts, conducting deep-dive research, and helping shape the legal arguments behind major patent disputes. You’ll contribute to infringement and validity analyses, assist with expert witness preparation, and help develop courtroom exhibits that bring science to life. This is a unique opportunity to apply your scientific expertise in a fast-paced legal environment—where your knowledge doesn’t just inform, it influences outcomes.

• Bridge Science and Law: Translate complex technical concepts for attorneys, clients, and expert witnesses to support clear communication and informed decision-making.
• Support Case Development: Contribute to infringement analysis, patent validity research, and overall litigation strategy from case inception through trial.
• Conduct Targeted Research: Assist the attorneys with the preparation and refinement of research that is relevant to case specific infringement and patent validity searches.
• Assist in Document Review: Help attorneys assess technical documents, with witness preparation and may attend depositions to offer guidance and clarity on technical matters.
• Enhance Trial Preparation: Support the development of demonstrative exhibits and provide on-the-ground guidance during meetings, hearings, and trial.

What You’ll Bring

• A Ph.D. or M.S. in computer science or electrical engineering.
• Experience as a patent examiner, patent agent, or technical advisor in patent litigation.
• Ability to perform research, factual investigations and analyze specialized data and documents from the perspective of your field of study.
• Must be able to review a report, pleading, etc. and answer questions clearly and succinctly regarding the scientific contents. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain scientific concepts in layman’s terms.
• Experience conducting scientific citation check of legal pleadings and other documents.

If you're eager to use your technical background to make a strategic impact in litigation, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Washington D.C.. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

• Washington D.C.: $160,000 - $195,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-SB1