Rate Sensitivity, Conflicts Continue to Loom Over Big Law IP Practices

By | September 26, 2025 |

Last week, 21 intellectual property litigators left Ropes & Gray for Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton in a significant group move. This trend reflects a shift in the Big Law landscape, with some firms stepping back from IP practice while others are actively recruiting top talent. Lateral moves among IP litigators have surged in 2025, with many seeking more flexible billing rates or trying to avoid conflicts of interest. Despite this, demand for IP litigation, particularly in AI and tech, remains strong. The 21-lawyer team represents the largest recent departure in this area.

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I am very glad I discovered Joe Mayer when I was looking for a new permanent full-time position. He is very professional and has the skill of matching good people with good employers. I can’t believe I’ve been at my new job for a year now. It’s been a perfect fit! I highly recommend him for employers in search of talent, and for job seekers looking for a new position.

Karen B.

Legal Assistant

I worked with Michael to find and secure a lateral position at another firm. Throughout the experience, I enjoyed working with Michael. He was knowledgeable about the legal market, communicative, and an all-around pleasant person. I would highly recommend working with Michael if you are interested in making a move during your legal career.

Regan H.

Associate Attorney

Joe is seriously a superstar! I was in a bind to move across the country in a short amount of time but wanted to have my job lined up. We spoke right after I put my resume out there. I had several interviews within that first week and had a job secured within two. He really cares about the people he is helping. _I’m so thankful for Joe and his assistance & help throughout this process. He is truly an amazing recruiter that knows what he’s doing. _

I’m finishing my 1st month and it’s all thanks to him for introducing me!

Kali R.

Family Law Legal Assistant

Jillian has been the most pleasant recruiter I have worked with. Jillian provided timely updates throughout each stage of the interview process, and I believe fought for my interest with the hiring department. Thanks for everything!

Daniel L.

Litigation Associate Attorney

Joe has been the best recruiter I have ever worked with. He was very informative when it came to the job I was interviewing for. He helped put me at ease when I was nervous for my interviews and gave me some great pointers about interviewing well. I was able to call him at any time if I had any questions and he was always responsive. He helped me get an amazing job offer at a global firm. I recommend working with Joe for anyone that is looking for a job.

Biljana S.

Associate Attorney

Jillian was great to work with and gave me helpful & timely advice throughout the entire application and interview process. I highly recommend working with Jillian if you are even considering a move. Jillian was great to work with and gave me helpful & timely advice throughout the entire application and interview process. I highly recommend working with Jillian if you are even considering a move.

Amanda T.

Labor & Employment Attorney

Mr. Mayer is top-notch at what he does. I was looking for a change in my legal career, and he led me to the right place! I got a dream offer from an awesome Midwestern civil litigation defense firm. Please use Joseph Mayer’s services!

Paul N.

Associate Attorney

Jillian is an amazing person to work with. Not only is she a great recruiter, but a great person who was there with me from the beginning to the offer. I trusted her with my career, and she delivered in every step of the process. Jillian’s vast network and deep connections to the legal industry helped me get in front of the top firms in the country. She was instrumental in my process of navigating a tough market and ultimately landing a job at a reputable firm in Chicago. I would recommend Jillian to anyone who is looking to make a change to their career! Jillian is an amazing person to work with. Not only is she a great recruiter, but a great person who was there with me from the beginning to the offer. I trusted her with my career, and she delivered in every step of the process. Jillian’s vast network and deep connections to the legal industry helped me get in front of the top firms in the country. She was instrumental in my process of navigating a tough market and ultimately landing a job at a reputable firm in Chicago. I would recommend Jillian to anyone who is looking to make a change to their career!

Christopher H.

Corporate and M&A Associate

Jillian is the perfect recruiter to represent you in an ever-growing competitive market. I first met Jillian when she reached out to me about switching law firms. While most recruiters approach you with an overly aggressive attitude, she came across as welcoming and understanding. She was incredibly responsive and always knew the right next steps to take. She also made sure I was prepared for every interview and had helpful tips to make sure each stage of the recruitment process was a breeze. I would highly recommend Jillian to anyone who is looking to make a switch in their career. Jillian is the perfect recruiter to represent you in an ever-growing competitive market. I first met Jillian when she reached out to me about switching law firms. While most recruiters approach you with an overly aggressive attitude, she came across as welcoming and understanding. She was incredibly responsive and always knew the right next steps to take. She also made sure I was prepared for every interview and had helpful tips to make sure each stage of the recruitment process was a breeze. I would highly recommend Jillian to anyone who is looking to make a switch in their career.

Isaac P.

Associate Attorney

Joe and I have worked together to recruit and hire the best people for our firm for over 5 years. What impresses me most about Joe is his passion for helping his clients and his candidates be successful. He truly plays as part of the team. He is also a valuable educator as it relates to understanding the market. Joe continues to take the time to collaborate with our hiring team and has demonstrated over and over his ability to shift with our business needs. Joe excels at communication and keeping me updated with any relevant information we need to make hiring decisions. Joe has made a measurable difference in our firm. Highly recommend.

Dana K.

Chief Operating Officer

I have worked with recruiters in the past, but none like Joe. The level of personal attention he provides distinguishes him from the rest. He has an incredible ability to not only establish a personal rapport but see beyond what is written on paper and ask the right questions. Patient and insightful, I very much enjoyed working with him and have already recommended him to friends.

Maritza P.

Legal Support Specialist

I’ve dealt with several legal recruiters the past few years and Joe was far and away the best to work with. When he first reached out to me, I was deep in the interview process with an opportunity I found on my own. While he did encourage me to at least consider the firm he wanted to pitch, he also provided advice and counsel on how to navigate the process I was already engaged in. It spoke volumes about Joe’s value as an ally to anyone looking for a new opportunity: he is truly there to help. I ultimately interviewed with and accepted an offer from the firm Joe pitched to me, and after starting that job I am confident it was the right fit for me. Throughout the entire process, Joe was easily accessible, and provided sage advice at every step. In short, he was instrumental in my successful job search. If a friend in the legal industry ever told me they were looking for a new opportunity, I’d immediately point them in Joe’s direction.

David K.

Associate Attorney

Rate Sensitivity, Conflicts Continue to Loom Over Big Law IP Practices

Karen B.

Regan H.

Kali R.

Daniel L.

Biljana S.

Amanda T.

Paul N.

Christopher H.

Isaac P.

Dana K.

Maritza P.

David K.

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