University Associate - Disputes & Economics, Intellectual Property

Ankura is a team of excellence founded on innovation and growth.

This position supports the Ankura Disputes & Economics Business Group - one of five practices focused on client delivery services across the Firm.

Practice Overview: The Intellectual Property (IP) practice focuses on the valuation of cutting-edge technology including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Our ability to value intangible assets for the world’s largest IP owners and small savvy innovators puts our team at the forefront of the most prominent industries. We combine state-of-the art data and analytics with advanced valuation methodologies to support decision-making in transactions, portfolio management, and disputes.

Role Overview: Associates on Ankura’s IP team are given a unique opportunity to develop their skills across a variety of areas while working in a collaborative team environment to provide clients with innovative solutions to their most pressing problems.  Our Associates perform a wide range of functions including but not limited to:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analytics and Problem Solving – Ankura’s Associates perform critical, value-add work that can directly impact a client’s bottom line.  Responsibilities may include developing and performing financial, accounting, economic, and statistical analyses; providing detailed fact finding, research, and analysis; developing computer models including detailed and complex spreadsheet analyses; and assisting with data gathering activities including document review, research, and quality control of data entry activities.  Our professionals may also assist in the preparation of expert reports and exhibits, and in creating proper documentation for our analyses. 

• Client Service and Project Management – Our employees execute and deliver high quality engagement tasks both independently and in a collaborative setting with a focus on client satisfaction.  Our Associates play a lead role in supporting key client projects, ensuring projects are completed in an efficient manner to meet client deadlines. 

• Practice and Business Development –  Our Associates participate in the management and development of practice initiatives (e.g., recruiting, people and culture, internal communications, and training) and assist our leaders as they engage in the pursuit of new business including drafting documents, proposals, and client presentations.

• Industry Knowledge and Development – As an Associate, you can expect to expand your industry knowledge, contribute to the development of consulting capabilities, and effectively articulate our key business propositions to clients.

Basic Qualifications, Skills, and Characteristics:

Candidates should be top academic performers, be interested in the consulting industry, and meet the following criteria:

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree with an expected graduation date that falls between December 2026 to August 2027.  Preference will be given to business and technical majors (e.g. Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics).

• A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Creative problem-solving ability and a collaborative mindset.

• Strong data analysis skills.

• Ability to multi-task and effectively prioritize tasks.

• Highly motivated, driven, and dynamic attitude towards work and career.

• Ability to excel within a team environment and independently.

• Passionate about work and personal life.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; working knowledge of Microsoft Project, Access, SQL, and Visio is a plus.

• Demonstrable willingness to travel up to 100% for client engagements and work overtime when needed.

• Please note that this role requires permanent authorization to work in the U.S. (i.e. U.S. citizen or permanent resident). Internships and full-time University Associate roles are not eligible for U.S. immigration sponsorship, work visa or any other temporary work authorization (i.e. OPT, CPT). 

Ankura is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the said markets and considers a broad range of factors including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  The range does not include additional benefits outside of salary. At Ankura, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each role. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range is between $50,000 to $120,000; this range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Ankura is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters, if you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, submit an online application, or participate in an interview/assessment, please email [email protected] or call toll-free +1.312-583-2122. This email and phone number are created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues unrelated to a disability, will not receive a response.