Intellectual Property Associate Patent Prosecution (Mechanical/Chemical)

Job Overview:
A law firm seeks an experienced Intellectual Property Associate to join its team, specializing in patent preparation and prosecution. The ideal candidate will have a background in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science and will play a key role in assisting clients with securing and managing patent portfolios. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with seasoned patent attorneys in a collaborative environment and contribute to a variety of intellectual property matters, including patentability and clearance opinions, portfolio strategy, licensing, and enforcement.

Duties:

• Prepare and prosecute patent applications across various technical fields, with a focus on Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Materials Science.

• Provide strategic counsel on patentability, portfolio management, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Conduct in-depth legal research and draft legal opinions regarding patent validity and infringement.

• Collaborate with clients to develop and implement effective intellectual property strategies.

• Work independently while also contributing to and leading client teams in patent-related matters.

• Maintain high ethical and professional standards in all legal work.

• Support business development efforts by generating and managing client relationships.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a licensed attorney in a law firm setting, focusing on patent prosecution.

• Ability to independently manage multiple legal matters at various stages.

• Strong attention to detail and exceptional analytical skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with clients and team members.

• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in intellectual property law.

• Experience working with patent agents, junior associates, and support staff to ensure efficient case management.

• Willingness to travel occasionally (less than 10%).

Education:

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

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science (preferred).

Certifications:

• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one jurisdiction where the firm operates.

• Must maintain applicable license renewal and continuing legal education (CLE) requirements.

• Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills:

• Strong decision-making abilities with minimal supervision.

• Ability to provide high-quality legal services while maintaining productivity.

• Leadership skills, including delegation of tasks and mentoring junior attorneys.

• Team-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to client needs.

• High level of professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.

• Ability to integrate new technologies and legal tools into workflow efficiently.

Benefits:

• A supportive, collaborative environment that fosters professional growth.

• Opportunities to work on high-level intellectual property matters with a diverse client base.

• Exposure to leadership opportunities and career advancement.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic legal team and work on cutting-edge intellectual property matters. If you have a passion for patent law and a strong technical background, we encourage you to apply.