Bio Patent Counseling Associate

Job Overview

An elite law firm with a nationally recognized Intellectual Property practice is seeking a Bio Patent Counseling Associate to support its growing life sciences patent team. This position is ideal for a legal professional with strong scientific credentials and several years of experience counseling clients in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. The role offers the opportunity to work on complex patent matters involving small and large molecule development, patent prosecution, and strategic IP advisory work.

Location

• New York City, NY

Duties

• Advise biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients on patent strategy and lifecycle management.

• Manage international patent portfolio development, including patent prosecution and counseling.

• Conduct due diligence and IP assessments in connection with transactions and investment opportunities.

• Handle post-grant proceedings and defend or challenge patents before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

• Provide non-infringement and invalidity analyses for various biopharmaceutical technologies.

• Develop and execute strategies for protecting second-generation drugs and biologics.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in patent counseling and prosecution, particularly in the life sciences field.

• Background in advising clients on global patent strategy, IP transactions, and regulatory considerations.

• Familiarity with handling matters before the USPTO, including disputes and post-grant processes.

• Prior experience working with or advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies is highly desirable.

Education

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related life sciences discipline.

Certifications

• Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Skills

• Strong legal writing and analytical abilities.

• Deep understanding of intellectual property law and life sciences technologies.

• Excellent client communication and relationship management skills.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

• Detail-oriented and strategic thinker with strong organizational capabilities.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with top-tier biotech and pharmaceutical clients on high-impact matters.

• Access to a high-performing, nationally ranked Intellectual Property team.

• Long-term career growth in a dynamic legal environment focused on innovation and excellence.

A recent merger has put this firm on the map on a global scale, although the firm's reputation is rather regional. Very much substance over form, this firm boasts international clientele and a sizable New York office without much fanfare of notoriety. We like this firm because, with a the headquarters in a smaller legal market, the philosophy of the firm is more lifestyle oriented than some of the large New York firms. Although associates won't get as many oohs and ahs after pulling out their business card, the sophistication of work and glamour factor with the international clientele competes with some of the big New York shops. For associates willing to forgo a bit in salary, the more than adequate New York office is the best of both worlds in terms of work and lifestyle.