Intellectual Property Associate/Patent Agent (Chemistry)

Job Overview

A law firm seeks an intellectual property associate or patent agent with expertise in chemistry for its offices in Boston, Hartford, Stamford, Newark, East Brunswick, Wilmington, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC. The ideal candidate will have 2-10 years of experience in patent law and an advanced degree in organic chemistry or significant industrial experience.

Duties

• Draft and prosecute chemistry patent applications.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their patent needs.
• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Provide strategic advice on patent portfolio management.

Requirements

• 2-10 years of experience as a patent attorney or agent.
• Advanced degree in organic chemistry or 5+ years of industrial experience.
• Superior academic credentials.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Admission to at least one State bar.

Education

• Advanced degree in chemistry, Ph.D. preferred.

Certifications

• Registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Skills

• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.

Benefits

• Firm-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage with firm HSA contribution.
• Employee-paid dental and vision coverage, supplemental health plans, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax contributions.
• Paid time off, holidays, and leaves of absence for work-life balance.
• Free and confidential employee assistance and behavioral health services.
• Firm-paid back-up child/elder care, academic support, and pet care program.
• Tax-advantaged college savings 529 Plan.
• Employee discounts through Working Advantage.
• Eligibility for discretionary bonus.

This firm has given a lot of thought to the interplay between the New York and the New Jersey legal markets. Although one of the oldest and largest in New Jersey, this firm wants to capture the Manhattan type work at Manhattan type billing rates. Although they are not quite there yet, this firm has developed a structure that enables it to base the bulk of its personnel and resources in New Jersey, and have a small New York space from which to handle the 'big city' work. An interesting plan, to be sure. Associates here raves about the reasonable hours and the immediate responsibility, many of whom deal directly with clients and handle entire cases. This is one of the few New Jersey firms where you will see the reverse commute--attorneys leaving Manhattan to take advantage of pleasant work environment and excellent training ground.