Midlevel Intellectual Property - Life Sciences - Associate

Job Overview

A respected law firm is seeking a Mid-Level Associate to join its Intellectual Property practice group in Seattle, focusing on Life Sciences. This position is ideal for candidates with patent prosecution experience and an advanced academic background in biotechnology. The successful candidate will contribute to a thriving practice representing clients in the life sciences sector through the preparation and prosecution of patent applications and related strategic IP counseling.

Location

• Seattle, Washington

Duties

• Draft and prosecute patent applications in the life sciences field

• Provide strategic counseling on intellectual property and patent portfolio management

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and IP due diligence analyses

• Collaborate with cross-functional legal and technical teams

• Advise clients in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors on IP matters

Requirements

• 1–5 years of patent prosecution experience in a biotechnology-focused practice

• Strong familiarity with U.S. and international patent laws and procedures

• Demonstrated ability to manage IP portfolios and client relationships

• Availability to prepare for and pass the patent bar within the first 12 months of hire (if not already registered)

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school

Certifications

• USPTO registration required

• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (Washington preferred)

Skills

• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex technical subject matter

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

• Capability to work independently and within a collaborative team environment

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility

• Clerkship bonus (where applicable)

• Health and welfare benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

  • Health savings and flexible spending accounts

  • Business travel accident coverage

• Retirement plan: 401(k) with firm participation

• Paid time off:

  • 9 paid holidays

  • 2 personal days

  • Up to 10 days of paid sick leave

  • Up to 20 days of vacation

  • Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave

  • Up to 10 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave

  • 5 days of bereavement leave

• Additional employee resources:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Work/Life Services

  • Bright Horizons Back-Up Child Care

  • WageWorks Commuter Benefits

  • College savings plan

  • College Coach support

  • Pet insurance

  • Excess liability insurance