Life Sciences Patent Associate

A law firm seeks a highly motivated patent associate to join its Life Sciences group in Salt Lake City. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on innovative patent matters in the life sciences space, providing guidance to clients on cutting-edge technologies and contributing to high-impact legal work. The successful candidate will engage in patent prosecution, provide IP counseling, and work on patent due diligence in connection with business transactions while gaining valuable mentoring and exposure to a variety of complex legal issues. This role is perfect for an associate with a solid foundation in life sciences and a desire to be part of a dynamic and growing team.

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications related to life sciences technologies.
• Provide intellectual property (IP) counseling to clients in the life sciences sector, helping them protect and enforce their innovations.
• Conduct patent due diligence in connection with business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions.
• Prepare patent opinion letters, offering clients strategic guidance on patent-related matters.
• Supervise junior attorneys and patent agents as part of global client service teams.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support clients in highly specialized fields such as molecular biology, immunology, and digital health.
• Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities to enhance expertise in life sciences patent law.

Requirements:

• 1 to 4 years of patent prosecution experience at a law firm.
• Membership in the patent bar.
• Strong background in life sciences, including fields such as cell or molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, cancer biology, pharmacology, biophysics, or digital health disciplines.
• An advanced degree (e.g., MS, PhD) in a relevant life sciences field is required.
• Prior patent agent experience is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Superior academic credentials, including a strong law school record.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Certifications:

• Active membership in the patent bar, in good standing.

Skills:

• Expertise in patent prosecution, particularly in life sciences.
• Strong technical knowledge in life sciences fields, such as biology, chemistry, or bioinformatics.
• Excellent drafting skills and the ability to articulate complex legal and technical concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to provide clear, strategic counsel to clients in the life sciences industry.
• Excellent teamwork and leadership abilities, with experience mentoring junior staff.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Benefits:

• Monthly wellness reimbursements and 24/7 emotional and behavioral health support.
• Healthcare coverage for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children up to age 26.
• Family-building benefits, including IVF, adoption, surrogacy, and egg-freezing.
• Paid parental leave, along with parenting support services and resources.
• Backup childcare options, both in-home and center-based.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with firm contributions and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm matching contributions.
• Pretax commuter and parking benefits.
• Basic and supplemental life insurance, along with short and long-term disability coverage.
• Voluntary long-term care, critical illness, hospitalization, and accident insurance.
• Voluntary ID theft protection, pet insurance, and Medicare consulting.
• Firm-paid Continuing Legal Education (CLE), bar review fees, and bar dues.

This is an exciting opportunity for a patent associate with a strong foundation in life sciences to work on impactful projects in the rapidly evolving tech and biotech sectors. If you are passionate about patent law and eager to contribute to the success of clients in innovative fields, we encourage you to apply.