Junior Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney

A law firm in Washington, D.C. is seeking a Junior Patent Prosecution Associate Attorney with an aerospace background. The ideal candidate will have a strong aerospace engineering background and experience with engine technology. They should also have examining experience at the USPTO or patent drafting experience in a law firm setting. The candidate will use their deep technical knowledge to work exclusively on patent prosecution and must hold undergraduate and/or graduate degrees in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering. A strong preference is given to candidates with previous experience as a patent examiner. Industry experience is a plus. The candidate should have excellent academic credentials, strong writing skills, and sharp analytical ability. The position requires 2+ years of legal practice experience.

Duties:

• Focus on patent prosecution with an emphasis on aerospace engineering and engine technology.
• Draft and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO.
• Conduct patentability searches and analysis.
• Provide technical and legal analysis of patents and prior art.
• Collaborate with inventors and clients to understand inventions and develop patent strategies.
• Work closely with senior attorneys and partners on patent matters.
• Conduct legal research on patent laws and regulations.
• Prepare responses to office actions and other patent-related documents.
• Assist with intellectual property litigation matters as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO (Patent Bar).
• 2+ years of legal practice experience with a focus on patent prosecution.
• Experience with engine technology and aerospace engineering.
• Previous examining experience at the USPTO or patent drafting experience in a law firm.
• Strong preference for candidates with previous experience as a patent examiner.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• Strong writing skills and ability to draft patent applications.
• Sharp analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Industry experience in aerospace engineering (a plus).

Education:

• Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (Required)
• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school (Required)

Certifications:

Admission to practice before the USPTO (Patent Bar) (Required)

Skills:

• Strong aerospace engineering and engine technology background.
• Experience with patent prosecution and drafting patent applications.
• Knowledge of USPTO rules and procedures.
• Legal research and analysis skills.
• Excellent writing skills for drafting patent applications and responses.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Technical and legal analysis of patents and prior art.

Benefits Offered:

• Competitive salary
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Industry-leading technology resources
• Professional development opportunities
• Bar dues coverage
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) expenses covered
• Collaborative work environment

With a longtime DC presence, this strong and reputable firm takes an active role in community and pro bono activities. Recognizing the importance of longevity, this firm goes far to preserve its relationship with its associates. What does that mean for the firm employing hundreds of lawyers in a wide variety of practice areas? It means that associates are well trained and a family atmosphere is fostered. The firm is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 firms and generally considered a great place to work.